The Star Wars universe has been through a rollercoaster of changes and challenges since Disney acquired Lucasfilm. Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership has seen both successes and missteps, but the blame for the franchise’s recent troubles often points back to her and director Rian Johnson. Their decisions have sparked intense debate among fans, with many believing that “Kathleen Kennedy ruining Star Wars” is not just an opinion, but a harsh reality.
The Early Disney Era
When Kathleen Kennedy became the president of Lucasfilm, she made several bold moves. Canceling “The Clone Wars” was one such decision that initially met with disappointment, but its successor, “Star Wars: Rebels,” won over fans with its compelling storytelling and new characters. The release of “The Force Awakens” brought fresh energy to the franchise, rekindling the excitement among old fans and attracting new ones. “Rogue One” followed, becoming a critical and fan favorite for its gritty, grounded take on the Star Wars universe.
However, this promising start soon hit turbulent waters with the release of “The Last Jedi” in 2017.
The Controversy of “The Last Jedi”
Directed by Rian Johnson, “The Last Jedi” was a divisive film. Johnson’s approach to the storyline and characters, particularly Luke Skywalker, was a stark departure from what fans expected. The decision to take the narrative in an unexpected direction left the fanbase fractured. Some praised the bold, new take, while others felt it betrayed the essence of Star Wars lore.
This split in the fanbase forced Kathleen Kennedy and Lucasfilm into damage-control mode. The rapid release of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” just five months after “The Last Jedi” only compounded the problems, as it failed to perform well at the box office.
A Franchise in Disarray
Following the backlash from “The Last Jedi” and the underwhelming performance of “Solo,” Lucasfilm faced significant pressure. The next installment, “The Rise of Skywalker,” attempted to rectify the perceived missteps of its predecessor but ended up as a rushed and convoluted film. Released in December 2019, it aimed to please everyone but ended up satisfying few.
Since then, the Star Wars film franchise has been in a state of limbo. No new movies are expected until December 2025, leaving fans wondering about the future direction of the beloved series.
What’s Next for Star Wars?
With the current uncertainty surrounding the Star Wars film projects, including the indefinite shelving of Patty Jenkins’ “Rogue Squadron” and Kevin Feige’s proposed film, the future seems unclear. Taika Waititi’s project remains in development, but details are sparse, and its release date is still unknown.
Kathleen Kennedy’s role in these decisions and the overall trajectory of the Star Wars franchise remains a contentious topic. As the person at the helm, she is often held responsible for the perceived downfall. This has led to the widespread belief that “Kathleen Kennedy ruining Star Wars” is a sentiment shared by many disappointed fans.
The Burden of the Next Star Wars Film
Given the franchise’s long history and passionate fanbase, the pressure on the next Star Wars film is immense. Any new project will be heavily scrutinized, with fans’ expectations at an all-time high. There is much to prove and even more to lose.
The Star Wars franchise’s journey under Kathleen Kennedy and Rian Johnson’s influence has been tumultuous, leading many to believe in Kathleen Kennedy ruining Star Wars. While there were moments of brilliance and success, significant missteps have left the franchise in a precarious position. As fans await the next chapter in the Star Wars saga, the hope is that future projects will honor the legacy of this iconic series and restore its former glory.