Simon Kinberg is heading into hyperspace, signing a wide-ranging deal to write and produce a Star Wars Featured Trilogy.
Kinberg will spearhead a new saga set in a galaxy far, far away and write the script for Lucasfilm in hopes of charting a new path for the sci-fi space opera universe.
Lucasfilm top figure Kathleen Kennedy will also produce the new trilogy.
The new story does not mean a continuation of the Skywalker Saga, the name of the overall arc that dominates pop and pop culture Star Wars movie called Episode 1 through 9. Sources say the intention was to have entirely new characters and a new story, rather than make it a continuation hollywood reporter. (Although this doesn’t mean that some characters can’t or won’t pop up.)
Kinberg already has a powerful Star Wars relation. He co-created the animated series Star Wars: Rebels With Dave Filoni and Kelly Baker. The Emmy-nominated show ran for four seasons from 2014-18.
He also helped restart Star Wars After Disney acquired Lucasfilm, he served as a consultant in 2015 The Force Awakens.
Kinberg has a niche in genre. He has an influence on the fox X-Men film, as one of the producers Logan and the first two dead Pool films, as well as many other creative responsibilities. He is about to work on an Edgar Wright adaptation of a Stephen King story running man For Paramount.
The writer-producer is one of the busiest creatives in town, and he’s helping develop rival StarCraft The Paramount franchise was signed by him last spring. He will serve as an active producer on the series. Sources say he will continue to perform these duties, holding a lightsaber in one hand and a phaser in the other.
Lucasfilm has tried to chart a different path forward before. Kennedy previously signed film producer Rian Johnson (Draw the knife) developed the trilogy, and game of Thrones Creators David Benioff and DB Weiss. None of that came to fruition, and the company has faced occasional scrutiny over the years.
What’s next for Lucasfilm TV series skeleton crewwhich will premiere on Disney+ on December 3.
