Dave Filoni Channels Emperor Palpatine While Talking About the Future of STAR WARS
The future of Star Wars is still taking shape at Lucasfilm, and according to Dave Filoni, things are moving exactly the way he hoped they would.
In fact, while talking about what’s ahead for the franchise, Filoni slipped into full Emperor Palpatine mode with a quote you’re sure to recognize.
Filoni recently sat down with DiscussingFilm and reflected on where Star Wars is headed, the creative growth he’s experienced over the years, and the pressure that comes with steering one of the biggest franchises in entertainment.
While discussing upcoming stories and projects, Filoni said: “I’m looking forward to bringing a lot of these ideas & visions to the fans.”
Then came the unexpected Return of the Jedi callback: “Everything is right now proceeding as I have foreseen it.”
The second the quote left his mouth, both Filoni and the interviewer laughed, clearly aware that he had just gone full Palpatine for a second. Honestly, it’s the kind of thing longtime Star Wars fans probably loved hearing from him.
Filoni has become one of the central creative voices at Lucasfilm over the last several years. Personally mentored by George Lucas, he helped build fan-favorite animated projects like The Clone Wars and Rebels before eventually making the jump into live-action storytelling with The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.
According to Filoni, that transition into live-action filmmaking became a major turning point for him creatively. “I think the most critical element was getting involved in live-action, which Kathy really backed. And brought me along in, and Jon, that was just so crucial to really understand not just the Star Wars galaxy, but producing these types of films.”
Filoni credited both Kathleen Kennedy and Jon Favreau for helping him evolve as a storyteller and producer while expanding his understanding of how these massive productions come together.
At the same time, he made it clear he fully understands the expectations fans have for new Star Wars movies and shows. “I’m a fan myself. I understand the pressure, and I look forward to it.”
That pressure is definitely real. Star Wars fans are passionate, vocal, and deeply invested in the direction of the franchise. But Filoni seems energized by the challenge rather than intimidated by it.
He also talked about how much he still enjoys working within the galaxy far, far away and how limitless the storytelling possibilities continue to feel for him creatively. Whether it’s animation, live-action, television, or theatrical films, Filoni seems genuinely excited about exploring new corners of the universe.
And there’s certainly no shortage of projects on the way. Lucasfilm has multiple films currently in development from filmmakers including Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Filoni himself, James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Simon Kinberg, who is said to be developing a new trilogy.
The next theatrical release following The Mandalorian & Grogu will be Star Wars: Starfighter, which is currently scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027. The film is directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ryan Gosling, alongside Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams.
On the television side of things, fans still have Star Wars: Visions – The Ninth Jedi and Ahsoka Season 2 to look forward to as Lucasfilm continues expanding the franchise across Disney+.
Love it or hate it, Star Wars isn’t slowing down anytime soon. And if Filoni’s Palpatine impression is any indication, he’s very happy with where things are headed.