Seen and Heard at the 'Rogue One' Press Event5 of 12
New Generation of Heroines
The role of women in the Star Wars universe was a frequent topic of discussion at the press conference – both on screen and behind the camera. Executive producer Kathleen Kennedy fielded a couple of questions regarding the role of Jyn Erso, which, much like Rey from The Force Awakens, repositions women at the center of the Star Wars action. Kennedy underscored the need for the next generation of films to address the question of what it means to be a female hero for new audiences. She reminded the audience: "Rey and Jyn are empowered women who are not necessarily taking on male characteristics. They are genuinely female heroines. That's important." Likewise Kennedy also addressed whether and/or when a female would eventually helm a Star Wars film. Shooting down any controversy about recent reports that having a female Star Wars director wasn't in the immediate Lucasfilm plans, Kennedy pronounced: "We have every intention of giving someone an opportunity."
The role of women in the Star Wars universe was a frequent topic of discussion at the press conference – both on screen and behind the camera. Executive producer Kathleen Kennedy fielded a couple of questions regarding the role of Jyn Erso, which, much like Rey from The Force Awakens, repositions women at the center of the Star Wars action. Kennedy underscored the need for the next generation of films to address the question of what it means to be a female hero for new audiences. She reminded the audience: "Rey and Jyn are empowered women who are not necessarily taking on male characteristics. They are genuinely female heroines. That's important." Likewise Kennedy also addressed whether and/or when a female would eventually helm a Star Wars film. Shooting down any controversy about recent reports that having a female Star Wars director wasn't in the immediate Lucasfilm plans, Kennedy pronounced: "We have every intention of giving someone an opportunity."