One of the most significant, and also most challenging, aspects of the Star Wars franchise in recent years is its heavily interconnected narrative. This approach has allowed for the expansion of characters like Cassian Andor, initially introduced in Rogue One, into more substantial roles in series like Andor. However, it has also led to confusion among audiences unfamiliar with certain storylines, such as those in animated shows like Clone Wars and Rebels, which are referenced in projects like Ahsoka. Traditionally, there have been limitations on the types of stories that could be told within the Star Wars universe, but a recent statement suggests this might be changing.

At a screening of the original Star Wars in London, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy discussed the evolving approach to storytelling in the franchise. She emphasized a shift away from the interconnectedness that has defined Star Wars in recent years, towards a model that allows for more standalone stories.

Kennedy stated, “I really think that now we’re in a position where it’s broadened the possibility of stories and filmmakers we can bring in to tell stories that mean something to them. It doesn’t necessarily have to connect to every little thing that’s been done in Star Wars; it can actually be a standalone story that then builds into many, many other stories.”

A forthcoming example of this new approach is Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for release in 2027, with filming set to commence in September. Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth, the project is described as a standalone story that won’t directly connect to other Star Wars narratives, partly because it takes place five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

In contrast, other upcoming projects like Ahsoka season two and The Mandalorian & Grogu will likely maintain connections to the broader Star Wars universe. The same applies to confirmed projects such as the Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Rey movie and Dave Filoni’s Shadow of the Empire movie. However, films like James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi, set millennia before other Star Wars stories, and Simon Kinberg’s trilogy, intended as the next phase of the Star Wars saga, along with Taika Waititi’s movie, seem to align more closely with Kennedy’s vision for standalone narratives.

The essence of Kennedy’s statement lies in its conclusion, where she hints at a reset for the franchise, aiming to introduce fresh faces and stories through unique, original, and standalone tales. These stories are then expected to spawn numerous other narratives, effectively rebooting the interconnected nature of Star Wars rather than abandoning it entirely.

The question remains whether Kennedy’s words signal a genuine shift in the franchise’s approach or if these new Star Wars movies will indeed remain standalone. Could this strategy potentially harm the franchise, or is it a necessary step towards revitalization? Share your thoughts below.

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