Aside fromGeorge Lucas, one of the most important figures in the legacy ofStar Warsis arguablyLawrence Kasdan. The filmmaker made his screenwriting debut on 1980’sStar Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, co-writing the script with Leigh Brackett, and he returned to co-writeStar Wars: Episode VI - Return of the JediwithGeorge Lucashimself. More than 30 years later, he returned to co-writeStar Wars: The Force AwakenswithJ.J. Abrams, and he is also writing theStar Wars Anthology: Han Solo Moviewith his sonJon Kasdan, which is set for release on August 07, 2025. During a new interview with the German newspaperBild(translated by The Supernaughts), the writer revealed that the Han Solo Movie will be his lastStar Warsfilm.
“This is my last film for this saga. I did not even want to do this last one anymore, but my family loved the idea. I did fourStar Warsmovies. That’s more than enough. I want to work as director again.”
The news doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, since Disney and LucasFilm have already solidified the creative teams for almost all of their upcomingStar Warsprojects.Gareth Edwardsis directing the first spinoff,Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, from a script byGary WhittaandChris Weitz, withRian Johnsonwriting and directingStar Wars: Episode VIII, both of which are already in production.Phil LordandChris Millerare directing theHan Solomovie, withColin Trevorrowcoming aboard in August to directStar Wars: Episode IX. It isn’t clear if the director will writeStar Wars: Episode IXhimself, or if other writers will be brought on board.
Lawrence Kasdanlast wrote and directedDarling Companionin 2012, which starredDiane Keaton,Kevin KlineandDianne Wiest. His other directorial credits includeDreamcatcher, Mumford, French Kiss, Wyatt Earp, Grand Canyon, I Love You to Death, Silverado, The Big Chill and his directorial debut, Body Heat. It isn’t known if the filmmaker has any projects he’s developing to direct that are currently in the works.
Disney and LucasFilm are also developing a thirdStar Warsanthology project, which has been rumored to center on the beloved bounty hunterBoba Fett.Josh Trankwas once attached to direct that project, before he ultimatelybacked outof the movie earlier this year. Disney and LucasFilm have not announced a replacement for the director yet, nor have they confirmed any details about the story. Are you disappointed thatLawrence Kasdanis stepping away from theStar Warsuniverse? Let us know what you think, and stay tuned for more details.
