Favreau joins a long line of white guys steering the ‘Star Wars’ franchise.
Not content to simply voice a cute little alien in Solo: A Star Wars Story, Jon Favreau has taken command of Lucasfilm’s first ever live-action Star Wars series. Set to debut on their new streaming service, there is absolutely no news as to where or when the show will operate in our beloved galaxy far, far way. Please, no one mention the Old Republic. We’ve known for a while that Disney has been developing a live-action series, and the talent that fans have speculated on spearheading this grand design has run from Dave Filoni to Ava DuVernay (who just isn’t interested, thanks!).
In an official statement, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy explained her excitement in bringing Favreau into the fold:
“I couldn’t be more excited about Jon coming on board to produce and write for the new direct-to-consumer platform. Jon brings the perfect mix of producing and writing talent, combined with a fluency in the Star Wars universe. This series will allow Jon the chance to work with a diverse group of writers and directors and give Lucasfilm the opportunity to build a robust talent base.”
Favreau joins an ever growing list of white male creators handed a new chunk of the franchise to manage. Following behind Rian Johnson’s mysterious future trilogy of films, as well as the string of movies from Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Favreau’s inclusion feels like more of the same. Is it not time for another point of view on the royal rumble between Rebel Scum and Galactic Empire? Or is the bearded George Lucas look an essential ingredient? Can’t blame Favreau, I guess. Every kid from 5 to 100 wants in on this game. Put me in coach, I’m ready to play.
In the same press release, Favreau reveals his glee at being able to scrounge in this sandbox:
“If you told me at 11 years old that I would be getting to tell stories in the Star Wars universe, I wouldn’t have believed you. I can’t wait to embark upon this exciting adventure.”
Favreau has been a favored son of Disney for several years now. He helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Iron Man (although, Disney didn’t have their clutches in the franchise at that time), and his Jungle Book reboot revealed the potential for critical and financial success in their live-action adaptation endeavor. He’s currently pushing his way through The Lion King, and one can assume that he’ll rocket from that 2019 release and straight into this Star Wars series.
I believe Favreau has the right mind and eye for a Star Wars show. No doubt. Like you and me, he’s spent a lifetime fantasizing about what he would do with these toys if he was ever blessed to wrap his mitts on them. Yet I can’t help feel a sense of disappointment at this news. In the wake of Black Panther, and on the eve of A Wrinkle of Time, the unique creative energy on display from Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay has sparked a serious desire to see new perspectives on a franchise we’ve seen through one lens for over 40 years.