Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy Says She Loves Fan Feedback Including the Criticism

The Star Wars fan community is very strong and very opinionated. There are some fans that aren’t and never will be pleased with anything outside the original three movies. Even in that group there are a faction that will never accept The Return of the Jedi as the amazing movie that it is.

That is what makes and will continue to make the Star Wars saga one of the most followed movie franchises in history. How does one who is in charge of bringing more content to these fans take the constant barrage of criticism? Do you take it, use it and build on it? Do you crumple on the floor and cover your head until it passes?

Well, Yahoo talked to Lucasfilm Exec Kathleen Kennedy about the upcoming film Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, and this is what she said:

The fact that I was able to bring JJ Abrams into the family and start talking about the story and it came together so quickly, and there are so many people that care so much and had so much to offer, and then we put The Force Awakens up in front of fans and the audience, and reignited this incredible joy for this franchise and there was this thunderous applause wherever we went.

“I don't think any of us were quite prepared for that and I do think about that and I also respect the fact that that just doesn't happen all the time.

“You really do cherish those moments because you recognise how special it is.”

But that doesn’t mean all fans are adoring.

As Kennedy said, the passion fans have for the story means they will also have strong opinions, beliefs, and connections with the characters.

However, while the negative feedback can be “frustrating”, the fact that fans actually care so much is what’s really special.

“I frankly love the feedback and frankly the criticism,” she said.

“You develop a little bit of an armour, but you learn from that. It's kind of like having a continual focus group that's out there telling you things, whether it's what you want to hear or you don't want to hear.”

And, she added, the people at Lucasfilm don’t think they know it all.

“We're just like the fans out there, we're just trying to find what's cool, what's heartfelt, what's strong storytelling and so I have to say - within reason - I love the feedback.”

It has to be hard to be the one steering this ship and she is being cut no slack as far as what happens in this universe. One missed step and hundreds of fanboys are going to call for your head. I guess all you can do is learn and grow from the criticism thrown your way. Let us know what you think.