Lucasfilm Plans Standalone Star Wars Films with Director Freedom

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has outlined a new direction for the Star Wars film franchise, emphasizing standalone stories that do not need to connect to every existing element of the universe. Speaking at the BFI Film on Film Festival in London, Kennedy legitimized a rare screening of the original theatrical cut of Star Wars: A New Hope and reassured fans about the franchise's future. Her strategy aims to broaden creative possibilities for filmmakers and move away from the tightly interconnected narratives of the past, with upcoming projects like Shawn Levy's Starfighter expected to introduce new eras and characters. This approach follows a period of mixed reactions to recent Star Wars films and behind-the-scenes issues, as well as a successful run of Disney+ series such as Andor. Kennedy's vision is seen as a potential remedy for the franchise's struggle to balance nostalgia with innovation, allowing for greater creative freedom and genre exploration. The move has been welcomed by fans and industry watchers who see it as a necessary evolution to keep the Star Wars saga fresh and relevant.