As the world works to navigate the persistent threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the entertainment industry has remained at a standstill. Star Wars fans have lucked out, as The Mandalorian's second season finished production prior to the outbreak and visual effects were completed remotely, allowing for show return as scheduled in October.
The Cassian Andor and Obi-Wan Kenobi shows were not as fortunate. Kenobi was already in the midst of creative difficulties when the virus hit, and Cassian's planned production start this summer was delayed indefinitely . Word on the landing pad was that Cassian would be debuting in 2021, with Obi-Wan not far behind in 2022 , and a new rumor could indicate that things may be proceeding as Lucasfilm has foreseen...
NEWS
Making Star Wars is reporting that the schedule is set for the productions of the Cassian Andor and Obi-Wan Kenobi series, and that their crews may overlap as the shows shoot simultaneously:
My sources have said that a schedule is set for the next two productions in the live-action Star Wars Disney+ productions. There’s a chance there’s going to some overlap in the productions and we’ll have both shows in production at the same time, if what crew members are hearing ends up coming to fruition.
Bespin Bulletin also added that the Cassian show was scheduled for pre-production in July, with filming set for the Fall.
MSW's sources had this to say about the status of the series' productions:
The Rogue One prequel and Kenobi sequel productions are set for Pinewood. I think the Kenobi series has some creative and sensitive differences still being worked out.
Additionally, MSW says that creative shifts at Lucasfilm may be on the way:
Sources at Lucasfilm and Pinewood Studios have heard that there’s going to be some creative shifts coming too. This does not confirm or debunk any rumors going around saying otherwise, I want to be clear about that.
Cassian showrunner Tony Gilroy is said to be referred to as the show's director, but questions remain about the nature of that title:
They’re also calling Tony Gilroy the director of the Cassian Andor Rogue One prequel series in a general way but I don’t know if that’s a large assumption because he’s involved in the writing of the series (like how people assumed Jon Favreau was directing on The Mandalorian at first) or if that’s actually something notable.
WHAT THIS MEANS
If Lucasfilm and Disney deem it safe to begin the productions of Cassian and Obi-Wan , it makes sense that the shows could share production crews. Scheduling would allow for principal photography to be completed simultaneously on a cheaper dime, giving the Lucasfilm the chance to kill two Porgs with one stone.
MSW's note about creative shifts is intriguing, albeit vague. It's unclear whether these shifts will impact the directing teams for the shows, or even Lucasfilm's management overall. Obi-Wan has already burnt through multiple writers as Joby Harold currently works on the scripts, and the story for Cassian has changed many times since the project's inception.
It seemed that Gilroy would be to Cassian what Jon Favreau is to The Mandalorian , as MSW mentioned, but the Lucasfilm and Disney executives may have decided that it would be best if the show had one voice bahind the camera. Deborah Chow's job should be safe for Obi-Wan , as she recently discussed her approach to the show , but crazier firings have happened.
As always, we'll keep a close eye on these projects, with the hope that both will see the light of day on time - or even early.
STAR WARS Writer
