The past decade has seen Star Wars grow in all directions beyond what anyone could've expected a few years ago. From projects predating the Skywalker Saga to new ones set after the Sequel Trilogy, there's something for fans of every era.
However, this growth is challenging to sustain, and as Chief Creative Officer, it's Dave Filoni's responsibility to ensure consistency across every era. He knows that one project can't contradict anything that came before it or after it. This job will only get more complicated for Filoni as Star Wars dives into the High Republic era and begins work on projects set after the sequel trilogy.
Via Yahoo.com, Dave Filoni draws inspiration from Kevin Feige's success with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Filoni revealed, "We are figuring all these things out and looking at every project, and yeah, it's like project development. They don't all develop at the same time." What Filoni means here is that a Star Wars project can't skip a few years and jump to the climactic crossover event without building up to it. There must be a logical buildup, and we have to see how things progressed from point A to point B.
For his part, Filoni has been busy with fellow creator Jon Favreau, as the two figure out how they'll bring their various characters together for a crossover event that defines the New Republic era. Explaining the complexity of creating what some call a Star Wars version of Avengers in the Mando era, Filoni explained, "But in Star Wars it's tricky because you need certain things to go before one another if they're in the same space of the way the audience will perceive it, which is why, and I said this in an earlier interview, I really, I'm fascinated by what Kevin Feige was able to pull off. I think it's so special and so unique."
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is not only known for its ability to bring all characters together for a major crossover like The Avengers, but it's also known for its sheer volume of projects. This is something that Star Wars can't replicate easily, as doing so could oversaturate the franchise. In recent years, cameos and crossover attempts have been labeled "fan service" by fans, so it's a challenge to have different characters interact.
Still, Filoni and Favreau are working on a Mando-era crossover event, which will likely bring together all the major players of the New Republic era, including Din Djarin, Ahsoka, Grogu, Boba Fett, Fennec Shand, Hera Syndulla, Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, and Bo-Katan Kryze, among many others. Their nemesis will likely be Grand Admiral Thrawn and a growing Imperial Remnant threat.
Dave Filoni is the man in charge of bringing it all together in this era, and for that, he looks up to Kevin Feige, and "what he was able to accomplish on a timeline and perfectly place all these elements. It's an incredible skill and a real… It's really remarkable." Although he's inspired, Filoni knows he can't copy Feige's approach, as "We are not operating like they do. We're a bit different in Star Wars because our timeline moves a little bit differently. But I take a lot of inspiration even from that. And I've talked to Kevin, and what a great guy."
At Star Wars Celebration, Filoni confirmed that he and Favreau are looking at the future and how everything will come together. For now, his priority is Ahsoka Season 2, which is currently under production in the UK. In the meantime, Jon Favreau is putting the final touches on The Mandalorian and Grogu, which wrapped up production months ago.
The Mandalorian and Grogu premieres May 22, 2026.