Lucasfilm President Regrets Solo: A Star Wars Story Timing

In a reflective moment, outgoing Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has identified a specific point of regret from her decade-long stewardship of the Star Wars franchise. The admission centers on the 2018 spin-off film, Solo: A Star Wars Story, which she now believes was a concept launched prematurely.

Speaking candidly about her tenure, Kennedy suggested the film's core challenge was an impossible task: attempting to fill the shoes of a cinematic icon just years after his final appearance. The decision, she now concedes, was a misstep in timing that had significant repercussions for the entire Star Wars cinematic universe.

The central issue, according to Kennedy, was the proximity of the film to Harrison Ford's final portrayal of the legendary scoundrel. Solo: A Star Wars Story was released in 2018, a mere three years after Ford reprised his role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The actor would make one final cameo as the character in 2019's The Rise of Skywalker.

Kennedy brought veteran screenwriter Larry Kasdan into the project, initially excited by the concept. However, the reality of the production revealed a fundamental flaw. She noted that while actor Alden Ehrenreich was a wonderful actor, the production placed him in an impossible situation by asking audiences to accept a new face for the beloved character so soon.

"You cannot replace Han Solo, at least right now. As wonderful as Alden Ehrenreich was, and he really was good, and is a wonderful actor, we put him in an impossible situation."

Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, Solo: A Star Wars Story struggled to connect with audiences at the box office. The film's financial performance was notably soft for a major franchise entry, earning just $393 million globally.

This figure stands in stark contrast to its production costs, which were at least $275 million. The film's performance was particularly underwhelming when compared to another Star Wars standalone film, Rogue One, which had earned $1.05 billion just two years prior on a similar budget.

The financial shortfall had an immediate and lasting impact on Lucasfilm's strategy. The film's status as a box office bomb effectively froze the studio's plans for additional standalone Star Wars films, creating a significant gap in the cinematic calendar.

The fallout from Solo's performance created a seven-year drought for Star Wars on the big screen. Following the divisive reception of The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, Lucasfilm did not announce another theatrical film until this year's The Mandalorian and Grogu, scheduled for 2026.

This extended hiatus allowed the franchise to pivot toward streaming, but it marked a significant departure from the earlier plan of annual theatrical releases. Kennedy's regret extends beyond the single film to the broader strategic pause it necessitated.

During the same interview, Kennedy also discussed other projects that were in development but have since been shelved or placed on hold. This includes a long-gestating spin-off centered on Donald Glover's portrayal of Lando Calrissian.

• The Lando project was first discussed in 2018
• It remains in development limbo
• Future decisions rest with incoming leadership

Kennedy's departure marks the end of an era for Lucasfilm. She will be succeeded by a dual-leadership structure designed to separate creative and financial oversight. Veteran Star Wars writer and director Dave Filoni will handle creative direction, while executive Lynwen Brennan will manage the company's financial operations.

Regarding the future of the Lando project and other shelved concepts, Kennedy indicated that the final decision rests with this new team. She noted that projects involving creators like Taika Waititi and Donald Glover are "somewhat alive" but their fate is uncertain.

Ultimately, Kennedy's reflection on Solo serves as a case study in franchise management—the delicate balance between creative ambition and audience connection. The film's timing, rather than its quality, was the critical misstep in her assessment.

Kathleen Kennedy's candid admission provides rare insight into the strategic challenges of managing a beloved franchise. Her primary regret centers not on the filmmaking process itself, but on the fundamental timing of the project.

The legacy of Solo: A Star Wars Story is now twofold: a film that, despite its talented cast and crew, struggled commercially, and a strategic lesson that reshaped Lucasfilm's approach to future releases. As the studio moves forward under new leadership, the seven-year gap between theatrical films stands as a testament to the lasting impact of that decision.