No, Marvel's Kevin Feige Isn't Joining Lucasfilm

Marvel Star Wars

There have recently been rumors that Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm and the overseer of the new wave of Star Wars movies, will be stepping down from her position in the fall. The rumors claim that Disney is unhappy with Kennedy's handling of the franchise, which, despite epic box offices numbers, have been subject to numerous behind-the-scenes troubles and expensive reshoots. Of the people who could replace her, Kevin Feige is perhaps the biggest name. However, Feige has officially gone on the record to deny any truth to these rumors. Here's his matter-of-fact answer on whether he will be taking over Star Wars:

No. Only in my backyard with my action figures.

At this point, there's no need to list the accomplishments of Kevin Feige. His hugely successful Marvel Cinematic Universe changed modern blockbusters forever, and has made billions of box office dollars over the past decade. While not solely responsible, Feige is a big part of why the MCU has continued to be a powerhouse player, even has the 20th movie in the series, Ant-Man and the Wasp, heads to theaters next week. Given all of this, it's easy to see why Feige would be the logical choice to take over Star Wars from Kathleen Kennedy. Not only does he know his way around a shared universe, but Feige is a big Star Wars geek, but it sounds like he'd rather stay a fan than be the man in charge.

/Film asked Feige point blank if he was going to be involved with Star Wars, and the answer leaves very little up for interpretation. Even though Feige's contract with Marvel is up this year, leaving his future a massive question mark (he can literally go do whatever he wants), making Star Wars movies is just not on the table at this point.

It's important to remember that the rumors of Kathleen Kennedy's departure are just that: rumors. There might not be anything for Feige to take over. No one from Lucasfilm or Disney has made any indication that they are unhappy with Kennedy's leadership. Even though Star Wars has had some trouble with their solo films and hires like Gareth Edwards, Josh Trank, Chris Lord and Phil Miller, and Colin Trevorrow have all had issues in some way, Kennedy is still the acting president of the studio. All that being said, just because Feige has no interest in taking over Star Wars doesn't mean that Kennedy isn't leaving.

Whether there's any truth to these rumors or not, Hollywood will definitely be watching to see what happens with Lucasfilm and so will we. For more updates, stick with CinemaBlend and we'll give you new information as soon as it becomes available.

Matt Wood

Matt has lived in New Jersey his entire life, but commutes every day to New York City. He graduated from Rowan University and loves Marvel, Nintendo, and going on long hikes and then greatly wishing he was back indoors. Matt has been covering the entertainment industry for over two years and will fight to his dying breath that Hulk and Black Widow make a good couple.