Jon Favreau Touts Kathleen Kennedy, Praises Her Work On The Mandalorian

John F. Trent |

Aug 26, 2021

The Mandalorian creator and executive producer Jon Favreau recently touted Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and her work on The Mandalorian Season 2.

Favreau’s praise came during the recent release of the second episode of Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian titled “Making of Season 2 Finale.”

Favreau opened the episode stating, “I think there’s an interplay with storytellers and the people you’re telling the story to. You find that the emotions run very deep with Star Wars. And peoples’ relationship, especially people who grew up with it from a young age, feel a lot of connection to it.”

He continued, “I think the one consistent thing I’m feeling is that people care deeply that it’s being handled correctly and that it’s being handled respectfully. It meant so much to them and they want to see it continue into the future and feel like it’s all connected with consistency.”

Favreau then went on to praise Kennedy, “And we’re very lucky that between Lucasfilm and Kathy, the whole group that we have are incredibly supportive and encouraging.”

Later in the episode, Favreau would offer more praise for Kennedy as well as provide details on her role for the Season 2 finale of The Mandalorian that saw the return of Luke Skywalker.

While specifically talking about bringing back Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Favreau said, “Kathy Kennedy, we brought in very early on this conversation. And Kathy, first and foremost, is a great producer. And producers figure out ways to make things happen that are creatively exciting to the storytellers.”

He continued, “Not only does she understand how to create an environment where we can have all the tools that we need to explore and experiment and be creative, but also knows what it takes to incubate ideas and understands the significance of when you do it right, what that can represent.”

Favreau’s comments echo what Disney CEO Bob Chapek had to say about Kennedy back in March.

First, he lavished praise on her during an appearance at a virtual conference hosted by Morgan Stanley.

He described her as a “stellar, creative talent.” He then went on to describe her as a genius.

Chapek said, “That’s where [Kevin Feige and Kathleen Kennedy] are at their best. Managing that mythology so there are little pieces here and there that they dribble and they all connect. It’s really amazing. Geniuses.”

He would even describe her as an “absolute treasure.”

Chapek asserted, “Well, just like Kevin and Kathy and Sean at the studio, Jimmy, Dana, Peter, and John are absolute treasures for us from a creative standpoint. Driving this machine, but giving you the type of content that you saw at the Investor conference.”

Not only did Chapek praise Kennedy during this virtual conference in March, but he also stood behind her during The Walt Disney Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

In the Q&A portion of the meeting he was asked by George from San Antonio, Texas, “Are you guys looking at firing Kathleen Kennedy or asking her to resign and promote somebody like Filoni or Favreau or both to the co-council?”

Chapek responded, “We’ve been absolutely thrilled that we can have the kind of creative talent in our company, the likes of Kathy Kennedy running Lucas. And we look forward to having Kathy directing the activities of the entire Lucasfilm organization for many years to come.”

Not only do Favreau’s comments reinforce what Disney CEO Bob Chapek had to say about Kathleen Kennedy, but they lead one to believe that the recent rumor that Kennedy will see her contract renewed is true.

That rumor came from scooper Mikey Sutton who declared, “Sources indicate there were never any discussions to fire Kathleen Kennedy despite rampant online speculation and rumors.”

Sutton even cited one of his sources who told him, “Kathleen Kennedy won’t be Lucasfilm president at this point only if she decides to retire. Disney strongly believes she will continue guiding Star Wars to greater heights.”

The source added, “She will have the power she’s always had.”

“Making of Season 2 Finale” hit Disney+ on August 25th. Disney describes the episode in a press release as a “behind-the-scenes look at the making of this celebrated ‘chapter’ of ‘The Mandalorian,’ with a focus on the technology used for recreating Luke Skywalker.”

They add, “It delves into the collaborative process, including working with Mark Hamill, to create an authentic and fitting recreation, and explores the immense pressure and responsibility the filmmakers had in bringing back one of the most important characters in film history.”

What do you make of Favreau’s praise for Kathleen Kennedy? Do you think Kennedy really knows “what it takes to incubate ideas” given her track record with Star Wars and the sequel trilogy?