Bulwark Takes: Star Wars Boss Out at Disney! Is There New Hope For LucasFilms?
Released on February 26, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts JVL and culture editor Sonny Bunch delve into the recent announcement that Kathleen Kennedy will be stepping down as the head of Lucasfilm. The discussion navigates through Kennedy's legacy, Disney's management of the Star Wars franchise, the challenges faced by recent Star Wars projects, and the broader implications for Lucasfilm's future.
Kathleen Kennedy's Departure: Background and Impact
JVL initiates the conversation by revealing the news of Kathleen Kennedy's impending retirement from Lucasfilm, highlighting her pivotal role in steering the franchise post-Disney acquisition.
JVL [00:32]: "The news that Kathleen Kennedy is out as the head of Lucasfilm, the czar of Star Wars... She's not out yet, but she's going to be retiring."
Sonny underscores the significance of this change, noting that The Bulwark hadn't previously engaged deeply with toxic fandom but anticipates increased interaction following this announcement.
Kathleen Kennedy's Legacy and Achievements
JVL provides a comprehensive overview of Kennedy's illustrious career, emphasizing her success as a producer beyond Star Wars. He lists her involvement in blockbuster films such as Jurassic Park, The Sixth Sense, and Seabiscuit, arguing that her talent goes beyond riding the coattails of industry giants like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
JVL [01:54]: "She is a successful producer, executive producer... she has a real talent for bringing things together."
Disney's Management of Lucasfilm: Successes and Failures
The hosts discuss the dual nature of Disney's management of Lucasfilm. On one hand, Kennedy oversaw significant box office successes like The Force Awakens and Rogue One, alongside the highly popular The Mandalorian series on Disney Plus.
JVL [04:08]: "...the Force Awakens... is still the highest grossing domestic film of all time at $953 million."
However, they simultaneously critique the tumultuous production and reception of the sequel trilogy films, citing The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker as indicative of leadership and strategic failures.
Sonny Bunch [07:30]: "It's worse than nobody's in charge, Sonny."
JVL [07:34]: "There was nobody in charge. And that is a failure of leadership."
Challenges with the Sequel Trilogy and Standalone Films
The conversation shifts to the inconsistent quality and direction of Star Wars films under Disney. The lack of a unified vision for the sequel trilogy is highlighted as a core issue, with differing directors like J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson presenting conflicting narratives.
Sonny Bunch [07:31]: "You're downplaying it."
JVL [08:05]: "The Last Jedi feels like a direct repudiation of so much of the Force Awakens."
They also touch upon the underwhelming performance of standalone films like Solo: A Star Wars Story, attributing its mediocrity to directorial changes and poor strategic decisions.
Leadership and Corporate Strategy Issues
Sonny introduces a critique of Disney CEO Bob Iger's management style, drawing parallels between his approach to Marvel and Lucasfilm. The hosts suggest that Iger's "do more, do more, do more" philosophy may have strained the creative and operational capacities of these franchises.
Sonny Bunch [16:56]: "Bob Iger just kept saying, do more, do more, do more. And so you have just Marvel."
JVL [17:22]: "...Disney is really messing up both of these properties."
Fan Reactions and Toxic Fandom
The discussion acknowledges the polarized fanbase around Kathleen Kennedy, with vocal factions both attacking and staunchly defending her. This toxicity is presented as a barrier to effective leadership and company decision-making.
Sonny Bunch [11:35]: "...there is a toxic fandom which attacks Kathleen Kennedy in ways that are bizarre and personal."
JVL [12:28]: "We have to leave her there because otherwise the bad guys win."
Comparisons to Marvel and Bob Iger's Influence
Sonny draws comparisons between Marvel's success under Iger and Lucasfilm's struggles, suggesting that the latter may also be suffering from overextension and mismanagement akin to what happened with Marvel.
Sonny Bunch [17:30]: "The Iger broke Marvel, so why isn't it possible that he also broke Lucasfilm and Kathleen Kennedy?"
JVL [17:24]: "Disney is really messing up both of these properties."
The Future of Lucasfilm and Star Wars
Looking ahead, the hosts speculate on Lucasfilm's prospects post-Kennedy. They express cautious optimism about the potential for new leadership, particularly with creators like Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau poised to take the helm.
JVL [19:31]: "I think it is still there to be saved. I think it is probably good to get fresh blood in."
Impact on Star Wars Theme Parks and Merchandising
Despite the challenges in film and television, Lucasfilm's ventures into theme parks remain a stronghold for the franchise. Galaxy's Edge continues to draw massive crowds, underscoring the enduring popularity and economic viability of the Star Wars brand in experiential entertainment.
Sonny Bunch [19:27]: "The economics work in a certain way."
JVL [19:31]: "...the Galaxy's Edge place, it's always packed."
Duality of Kathleen Kennedy's Legacy
In the final segments, Sonny and JVL reflect on the duality of Kennedy's impact—balancing the high points like Rogue One against the controversies surrounding the sequel trilogy and other missteps. They recognize her achievements while acknowledging the significant challenges and criticisms faced during her tenure.
Sonny Bunch [20:08]: "The duality of Kathleen Kennedy is that she made the highest grossing Star Wars movie Ever... and the best Star Wars movie ever, which is Rogue One."
JVL [22:41]: "...Yoda is not a PC's name."
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The episode concludes with a mix of disappointment over recent missteps and hope for revitalization. The departure of Kathleen Kennedy is seen as an opportunity for Lucasfilm to reset and potentially reclaim its former glory under new leadership.
Notable Quotes
- JVL [00:32]: "She's not out yet, but she's going to be retiring."
- Sonny Bunch [11:35]: "...there is a toxic fandom which attacks Kathleen Kennedy in ways that are bizarre and personal."
- JVL [07:34]: "There was nobody in charge. And that is a failure of leadership."
- Sonny Bunch [17:30]: "The Iger broke Marvel, so why isn't it possible that he also broke Lucasfilm and Kathleen Kennedy?"
- Sonny Bunch [20:08]: "The duality of Kathleen Kennedy is that she made the highest grossing Star Wars movie Ever... and the best Star Wars movie ever, which is Rogue One."
This summary synthesizes the key discussions and perspectives shared in the podcast episode, offering insights into the current state and future prospects of Lucasfilm under the shadow of Kathleen Kennedy's departure.