Kathleen Kennedy Clarifies Comments; Says Female Filmmakers Will Absolutely Be Considered For 'Star Wars' Films

LUCASFILM, SAN FRANCISCO — There was great disturbance in the Force last week, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in outrage. Making the rounds of early “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” press, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy was asked about female filmmakers venturing into the “Star Wars” universe. No woman has ever directed a “Star Wars” movie. Would that ever change? Her response was surprising. “We want to make sure that when we bring a female director in to do ‘Star Wars,’ they’re set up for success,” she explained. “They’re gigantic films, and you can’t come into them with essentially no experience.”

To many pundits and fans, this felt like a double standard as relatively new filmmakers like Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One”) and Colin Trevorrow (“Star Wars: Episode X”) had graduated from indie films to huge blockbusters. But according to Kennedy, when asked about her comments in today’s “Rogue One” press conference, the producer/president was adamant that exclusion of any kind was not her stance.

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“It’s not true,” she said sounding rather vexed. “This gentleman [‘Rogue One’ director Gareth Edwards] did ‘Godzilla’ before we hired him to direct the movie,” Kennedy explained pointing to Edwards’ previous blockbuster experience.

“That quote was taken out of context,” she continued. “And I, as you can imagine, have every intention of giving someone an opportunity. So, if somebody actually moves through the process of making movies and wants to make a ‘Star Wars’ movie, and shows that they have actually stepped in to the role of that level? Of course, we’re going to consider a woman. That goes without saying.”

So to hear it from Kennedy, it’s not about gender, but all about skill and experience. Asked whether there were any filmmakers ready to step up to the “Star Wars” level, Kennedy avoided specific names. “There’s many and I’ve talked to most of them. There are many [worthy female filmmakers] out there.”

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Any female filmmakers you’d like to see direct a “Star Wars” movie? One should definitely keep an eye on Michelle MacLaren, famous for her episodes of “Game Of Thrones,” “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead.” She was the initially the director of “Wonder Woman,” but bailed on the project over creative differences. Patty Jenkins (known for “Monster” and the terrific pilot episode of “The Killing”) eventually assumed the role, but if it’s “Star Wars” or otherwise, expect to see McLaren to land a high-profile tentpole movie in the future.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opens December 16th.