Disney and Lucasfilm announced today that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, co-creators of HBO’s Emmy Award-winning Game of Thrones, are developing a series of new Star Wars films.
The new films will be separate from both the main ongoing Skywalker saga and the recently announced trilogy being developed by The Last Jedi’s Rian Johnson.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy shared her high expectations of the duo, stating, “David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today. Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting.”
In a joint statement, the duo shared their excitement and gratitude, stating, “In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since. We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.” Game of Thrones is in production of its final season.
No release dates have been set for the new films, but Star Wars fans still have Ron Howard’s Solo: A Star Wars Story coming on May 25, and Star Wars: Episode IX (which is to be directed by J.J. Abrams and released December 20, 2019) to get them through until more information is announced regarding the upcoming series.
While many are excited about this news, many understandably find themselves disappointed. While the Game of Thrones duo is highly talented and qualified, they only add to Lucasfilm’s streak of putting white men in charge of the creativity of Star Wars. Yes, the existing films are admittedly great films, but bringing the ideas and perspective of women or POC could be a game-changer for the franchise. (The upcoming Black Panther movie already beating records and earning high reviews is a great example of what bringing diversity to a film can mean.)
People want to see more diversity and more minorities represented in front of and behind cameras:
“Women and Hollywood” founder Melissa Silverstein Tweeted her reaction to the news of the upcoming series, mentioning simply and wisely: “The only way to make Hollywood more inclusive is to hire people other than white males. It’s pretty simple.”
Just saw the news that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are going to create "new series of Star Wars films."
Noting that again we are having white dudes creating Star Wars.
The only way to make Hollywood more inclusive is to hire people other than white males. It's pretty simple.— Melissa Silverstein (@melsil) February 6, 2018
