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Dave Filoni: The Unseen Force Controlling Star Wars’ Future?

BBG News

A surprising claim is circulating in the entertainment industry, one that potentially offers an answer to the creative stagnation at Lucasfilm. As per a recent article, it’s suggested that Dave Filoni may be controlling Star Wars, dismissing ideas that don’t fit his understanding of what Star Wars should embody.

In a recent episode of the House of R podcast, Joanna Robinson, a well-connected pop culture analyst and podcaster, made an intriguing revelation. She claimed that several sources inside Lucasfilm have expressed disapproval towards Andor, the highly praised series by Tony Gilroy. The reason given is that Andor doesn’t align with Dave Filoni’s strict interpretation of what Star Wars should be.

Consequently, ideas for pitches that lead the organization into new territories seem to be halted before they can even start developing.

She mentioned that numerous individuals who have attempted to present their ideas to Lucasfilm have failed to get beyond the “Filoni barrier,” as she put it. However, Tony Gilroy managed to bypass this obstacle through his connection with Kathy Kennedy.

In simpler terms, Robinson refers to it as the “Filoni barrier.” This term implies a restrictive situation where a single individual’s tastes significantly influence the direction of a multi-billion dollar business enterprise.

Andor’s Internal Opposition

Although Andor has garnered positive reviews from both fans and critics, it’s said that it was viewed as an annoyance within Lucasfilm, with the exception of Kathleen Kennedy. Robinson pointed out that many individuals within the company have a dislike for how frequently Andor is referred to as the “good one.” She notes that there has been a simmering internal conflict between Filoni’s team and Gilroy’s style, with the latter gaining success primarily due to Kennedy’s personal backing.

Instead of viewing Andor’s success as a blueprint for the future, Lucasfilm seems to prioritize maintaining the current state of affairs – which essentially means continuing to view most projects through Filoni’s perspective. Unfortunately, this approach hasn’t been yielding great results for Disney Star Wars.

From Lucas’s Padawan to Corporate Sith

Dave Filoni initially gained recognition for his close collaboration with George Lucas on the show “The Clone Wars“. Initially, some fans considered him as the potential successor to Lucas’s creative legacy. However, as time passed, this perception has become less prominent.

Filoni’s own productions, particularly the much criticized Ahsoka series, have struggled to connect with a broad audience, despite extensive promotions and anticipation. Critics labeled Ahsoka as dull, overly bloated, and incredibly uninteresting. Instead of making adjustments, Lucasfilm has opted to invest more resources.

Furthermore, it’s quite significant to note that Filoni has been notably vocal in his backing for the upcoming series, The Acolyte. This production has sparked debates among fans even before its premiere due to its strong political undertones and emphasis on ideological topics. Instead of preserving Lucas’s original vision, Filoni seems to be spearheading the studio’s most controversial works now.

If Filoni has been overseeing Star Wars content and carefully selecting pitches before they reach higher levels, this might account for why Lucasfilm’s storytelling has seemed so repetitive in recent years, following Filoni’s appointment as the creative head. Interestingly, there have been three different shows (Ahsoka, The Acolyte, Tales of the Empire) that emphasize witches and witchcraft, along with strong progressive social messages.

It’s been noted by several people that Ashley Eckstein, who is married to Dave Filoni, has identified herself using the pronouns she/her and the term “that witch” on social media. She has also shared pictures of herself drinking from mugs with pentagrams, as well as other content showcasing her wearing witch hats or expressing affection for fictional witches. As a result, it’s plausible, though not verified, that the increased focus on witches in Star Wars might be influenced by the Filoni family directly.

Filoni Gatekeeping Star Wars—A Real Problem?

If the claims about gatekeeping are valid, they would reinforce long-held anxieties from fans. It’s possible that Lucasfilm’s creative standstill isn’t just due to incompetence; it could be a deliberate strategy. Reports suggest that creators with innovative ideas often encounter resistance unless their work aligns strictly with the preferences—preferences largely determined by Filoni himself.

Even though Andor has been critically acclaimed, it seems to have confirmed the general trend. If there’s strong internal opposition to this style of storytelling, we might need to wait quite some time before another project like it emerges.

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2025-05-13 18:17

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