It’s been common knowledge for the past couple of years that Dave Filoni is the prime inheritor of the magic of George Lucas. His story of joining the Star Wars universe has become genuinely similar to the tale of Luke Skywalker himself. He was called to meet George Lucas and couldn’t believe it when it happened. And when he was found to be worthy, he was thrown into a world of infinite possibility. Walking the path of his own Hero’s Journey, Dave Filoni has now become the creative force behind most things Star Wars.
Filoni likely had no idea he was meant to be inheriting such a prominent position when he was chosen for the job. While his relationship with George Lucas has always been described as being like a padawan to a Jedi master. When Disney bought Star Wars in 2012 and Lucas stepped away from the world, Filoni might not have expected to become the new Lucas. But that’s the way a journey works. The hero triumphs over incredible challenges, making him the master of two worlds. And now, this modest boy from Pittsburg is the ruler of his own galaxy.
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Dave Filoni’s Rise to the Top
Lucasfilm Animation
Dave Filoni started his career working in the art department for animated shows like King of the Hill, Teamo Supremo, and Kim Possible. But some may also know that he directed the first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender. While working on the iconic 2D animation is when he got his call to adventure. And just like every hero does, he refused it; metaphorically, that is.
Filoni couldn’t believe it when he got the actual call from a producer with Lucasfilm Animation. According to Looper, Filoni said:
While it’s good to know that the people who produce SpongeBob have a sense of humor, his attitude almost cost him the job. Filoni was so convinced it was a prank call that he was very sarcastic with the person on the phone, but his disbelief saved him in the end. Once Filoni realized this wasn’t a joke, his insane fanboy side kicked in, and “that same producer told Filoni that she wanted to hang up on him.” But they had already scheduled the interview.
After he met Lucas, they began working on what would become the animated series, The Clone Wars. There he created Ahsoka Tano, a Jedi padawan who would quickly become a fan favorite and whose character arc seemed to mirror Filoni’s as he was being trained by Lucas. But when Disney bought Star Wars, Lucas retreated from production, and the series ended. However, Filoni stayed on with the studio and was quickly introduced to people like Jon Favreau and J.J. Abrams. He famously crafted the hit show Star Wars: Rebels, along with Resistance, Bad Batch, and many other beloved Star Wars animated series.
When he made the jump to live-action, helping direct and produce The Mandalorian, he cemented his position of involvement in most of the Star Wars extended universe. In Vanity Fair, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy spoke on why he is such an essential resource:
Star Wars’ Future
Disney+
Now that Filoni has the trust and ability to manipulate the Star Wars universe, he can exert his influence in big ways. While we’ve already seen his creative hand at work, the Disney+ Star Wars miniseries seem to be mounting in ways that intersect and merge with each other. For example, Filoni will be directing the Ahsoka series, starring everyone’s favorite padawan, who is no longer a padawan. The series is rumored to intertwine somewhat with the events of The Mandalorian, and there is talk of resurrecting his infamous Star Wars: Rebels villain, Grand Admiral Thrawn.
He is also working on the new live-action series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, in which a group of kids gets lost in the Star Wars universe. This is another series that will take place around the time of The Mandalorian. Filoni will also return to his animation roots by working on the recently announced series Tales of the Jedi. This is an anthology series that will follow the stories of several familiar Jedi. While it may be canonical, it will not happen on the same main canon timeline as every other miniseries.
