Would Lucasfilm Choose a Young Director with a Cheaply-Made Box Office Success for a Star Wars Movie?

The question of whether Lucasfilm would choose a young and up-and-coming director for a potential Star Wars project, especially one with a cheaply-made box office success, has been a subject of much debate in the film industry. Recent history, particularly the success of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, raises interesting questions about the balance between talent and box office potential.

From 'Rogue One' to 'Rogue Two?' A Successful Independent Adventure

One of the most compelling examples in recent years is the success of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film was not only a monumental success in terms of box office takings but also marked a breakthrough for Edwards as a filmmaker. Despite its initial association with a smaller budget than the Star Wars saga films, Rogue One became a cultural phenomenon, achieving revenues of over $1 billion worldwide and garnering critical acclaim.

However, it is important to delve deeper into the reception of Rogue One. While the film received generally positive reviews from critics, the audience reaction was mixed. Many viewers were left unsatisfied, sparking discussions about the direction and execution of the Star Wars franchise. This mixed reception adds layers to the discussion about what types of films Lucasfilm might be willing to support in the future.

Performance Under Disney's New Ownership

Under the ownership of Disney, Lucasfilm has faced a challenging task in balancing its commitment to quality and high box office returns. The company's recent strategy has been to play it safe, which is not surprising given Disney's primary focus on profitability. This cautious approach can be seen in the way they have approached the Star Wars sequels, preferring proved hands over risky new talents.

For instance, after the huge success of Rogue One, Disney opted to stick with proven Star Wars veterans for their next entries, namely The Rise of Skywalker and The Last Jedi. These films, while not critically acclaimed as Rogue One, still managed to attract massive audiences, adhering to the financial goals of the company.

Is Talent or Profit the Priority?

The decision-making process at Lucasfilm raises intriguing questions about the balance between nurturing talent and ensuring financial success. While it is true that great films often contribute to financial success, the industry's focus on box office returns can sometimes overshadow artistic and creative endeavors. This brings us to the central question: are the Star Wars creators willing to take risks on fresh talent with a successful but smaller-budget film if it means potentially compromising on revenue?

The answer seems to lie in their recent actions. So far, Lucasfilm has predominantly chosen to work with established names for their Star Wars projects. This suggests a preference for guaranteed financial success over the unpredictable outcomes of supporting new directors. However, the case of Rogue One does indicate that there can be exceptions, especially when the success of a film is both artistic and financially rewarding.

Conclusion: Safeguarding the Star Wars Legacy

In conclusion, the decision-making process at Lucasfilm regarding directing choices for the Star Wars franchise appears to be heavily influenced by two key factors: the potential for commercial success and the desire to safeguard the Star Wars brand. While the success of Rogue One demonstrated that a young director with a smaller-budget film can achieve significant financial and critical success, the larger franchise operates under different constraints. Thus, it is more likely that Lucasfilm will continue to opt for safe bets in the immediate future, though the door is not entirely closed on a bold and innovative choice.

For fans of the Star Wars franchise, this

revenue-focused approach might be seen as a positive sign of stability. However, for those who value artistic innovation and bold storytelling, the cautiously conservative approach could be deemed limiting. In either case, the ongoing discussion around the balance between talent and profitability in the Star Wars universe remains an intriguing aspect of the franchise's future.