The Force may be strong with the Star Wars franchise, but could it be venturing towards a galaxy far, far more mature? Dave Filoni, the mastermind behind beloved animated shows like “The Clone Wars” and Lucasfilm’s chief creative officer, has hinted at the possibility of an R-rated Star Wars movie, a move that would mark a significant shift for the space saga.
This speculation comes on the heels of Marvel and Disney’s surprising decision to greenlight an R-rated “Deadpool and Wolverine” film. With that precedent set, fans are wondering if a similar path could be taken for Star Wars. In a recent interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Filoni addressed the possibility with cautious optimism. “Sure, I mean, I don’t know,” he began, acknowledging the intriguing idea. “I think it’s interesting.”
However, Filoni, known for his dedication to storytelling that appeals to a broad audience, emphasized the importance of quality. “The bottom line is whatever we do, it has to be really well done,” he stressed. Star Wars, a franchise conceived by George Lucas and launched with “A New Hope” in 1977, has always walked a tightrope between thrilling adventures and content suitable for younger viewers.
Recent series like “Andor” have explored a more mature and gritty side of the Star Wars universe. While acknowledging this shift, Filoni underlines the core principle of Star Wars: igniting the imaginations of children.
“I think when you look at something that is taken as different like ‘Andor,’ it’s so well done, and Tony [Gilroy, showrunner] and his team do such a phenomenal job, that I think that there’s an audience for that,” he explained. “But I think also with that audience, I also though want to still be hitting the imagination of the kids out there, so that they can grow up and appreciate those things.”
The beauty of Star Wars lies in its ability to encompass a diverse range of styles. From the space opera grandeur of the original trilogy to the whimsical charm of “The Mandalorian,” the franchise allows each filmmaker or showrunner to leave their unique mark. “It encompasses all types of styles,” Filoni elaborated, “and the creative of the particular story driving it is the most important thing, and they should do something that’s within their comfort zone. Otherwise, we’re to imagine that everyone’s going to come in and pretend they’re George Lucas.”
Despite the stylistic variations, Filoni emphasizes the core values that remain constant throughout the Star Wars universe. “We’re just different and that’s okay,” he acknowledged. “But there are principles about choices and being a good person and being more selfless and getting over your fears, and those are timeless no matter what style you’re talking about.”
While the prospect of an R-rated Star Wars film remains an open question, Filoni’s comments suggest a willingness to explore new storytelling avenues. The future of Star Wars may not be limited to lightsaber battles and X-wing dogfights; it could potentially embrace a more mature tone while staying true to the franchise’s core themes. Only time will tell if the Force is strong enough to propel Star Wars into a galaxy far, far more adult, but one thing is certain: the creative minds behind the franchise are open to exploring the possibilities.
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