Get ready for a “new era of ‘Star Wars’ storytelling,” with The Hollywood Reporter confirming that Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige will lend his golden touch to the iconic sci-fi franchise.
According to THR, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has enlisted Feige to develop a new “Star Wars” film that will hopefully breathe new life into the franchise that began in George Lucas’ 1977 classic.
Acting on intel that Feige had been in discussions with Kennedy and other Lucasfilm execs (both Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm are owned by Disney), THR sent a query to the studio, which confirmed that Feige is indeed on-board to shepherd a new project set in “a galaxy far, far away.”
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In response, Lucasfilm issued the following statement to THR: “We are excited about the projects Kathy and the Lucasfilm team are working on, not only in terms of ‘Star Wars’ but also ‘Indiana Jones’ and reaching into other parts of the company, including ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ with Emma Watts and Fox. With the close of the Skywalker Saga, Kathy is pursuing a new era in ‘Star Wars’ storytelling, and knowing what a die-hard fan Kevin is, it made sense for these two extraordinary producers to work on a ‘Star Wars’ film together.”
As for what this means in terms of Feige’s role within Lucasfilm, opinion is reportedly divided; as THR reports, “some see this move as a prelude to a larger role for Feige within Lucasfilm, while others say it merely reflects the Marvel executive’s passion for the franchise.” Meanwhile, “a top Disney source” maintains that Kennedy will remain in charge of Lucasfilm with no planned management changes.
In addition, “one knowledgeable source” tells THR that “Feige has told a major actor that there’s a specific role he would like that person to play if and when he makes the movie.”
With the final “Star Wars” film in the Skywalker saga — “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” — set to debut on Dec. 20, the studio is keeping its future plans for the franchise under wraps.
However, Feige’s participation would seemingly make sense; not only are Marvel and Lucasfilm both under the Disney umbrella but Feige has led Marvel Studios through an incredible run of hits, including four of the highest-grossing movies in Hollywood history, with “Avengers: Endgame” surpassing “Avatar” to become the biggest of all time.