The Handmaid’s Tale director shuts down rumors of helming a Star Wars film

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Last Friday, a report posted by The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Reed Morano, who directed three episodes of the award-winning drama THE HANDMAID'S TALE, took a meeting with Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. Shortly thereafter, as the internet is wont to do, people began speculating that Morano could be in-line to direct a future installment of the STAR WARS franchise. While we already know that J. J. Abrams is set to direct STAR WARS: EPISODE IX, it wasn't an impossibility that Morano would helm a chapter of Rian Johnson's planned Star Wars spinoff trilogy.

However,while recently speaking with Kevin Smith on behalf of IMDB, Morano told the wide-eyed-in-every-photo filmmaker that she thinks "it was just speculation of some kind." She then added, "I was lucky enough to have a meeting with Kathy Kennedy, who is the loveliest human being." Joining Morano for the interview spot was GAME OF THRONES actor Peter Dinklage, who then asked her point-blank if she was in negotiations to direct a Star Wars film, to which the director replied, "No, I'm not… will you stop adding fuel to the rumors? It was just a meeting, and that's all I can say. And she [Kennedy] was awesome and imparted a lot of her wisdom. She's like, an idol." Shortly after the exchange, Dinklage admitted that the only reason he was asking is that he "just wants a part" in the legendary Star Wars universe.

Hmm … while Morano's comments appear rather concrete, I'm not 100% convince that I believe her. In the past, Kathleen Kennedy has gone on record stating that she'd like to see more female directors step up to the Star Wars plate, and given Morano's pedigree as an accomplished filmmaker, I would not be surprised if we hear word of her being involved in the filming of a Star Wars movie, down the road. After all, anything is possible in this ever-changing world, even in a galaxy far, far away.