Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss may have parted ways with their planned Star Wars trilogy for more reasons beyond their Netflix deal.
The Game of Thrones creators released a statement explaining their reasons as to why they left the Star Wars trilogy, citing their new $250 million deal they just signed with Netflix. However, THR reports that there are more reasons to Benioff and Weiss’ departure beyond their Netflix deal.
Sources tell THR that the Game of Thrones creators’ exit was brewing as early as August, which was when the Netflix deal was signed. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy was reportedly upset with Benioff and Weiss’ new Netflix deal given that they were set to begin developing the new Star Wars trilogy that month. Kennedy was not convinced that the two would successfully work on both the new Star Wars trilogy while overseeing new film and TV projects on Netflix at the same time. The duo reportedly worked on a treatment for the first entry of the new Star Wars trilogy at the time the Netflix deal was signed.
Netflix was briefed about the Game of Thrones creators plans for the Star Wars trilogy and were reportedly unconcerned about the whole ordeal, with one source claiming that the duo “have a lot of ambition” to work on both.
THR also reports that Benioff and Weiss departed the project due to the Star Wars franchise’s “toxic fandom.” Some segments of the Star Wars fandom have exhibited toxic behavior, some of which were targeted against those involved in the franchise including Star Wars: The Last Jedi writer/director Rian Johnson and Rose Tico actress Kelly Marie Tran. Benioff and Weiss also dealt with constant backlash amongst Game of Thrones fans disappointed over the controversial final season of the HBO series.
What do you make of this news regarding the Game of Thrones creators’ departure from the new Star Wars trilogy? Sound off in the comments below, and be sure to continue following Heroic Hollywood for all the latest news on the Game of Thrones creators’ future projects and the Star Wars franchise.
Here is the official synopsis for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker:
Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
Directed by J. J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, and Billy Dee Williams. Carrie Fisher will appear as General Leia Organa through the use of previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20, 2019.
Source: THR
