James Mangold Reveals a Different Take on His ‘Star Wars’ Movie: “I’m not that interested in being handcuffed by so much lore.”

James Mangold isn’t shy about taking on challenging projects. He’s worked with a variety of films, such as the Johnny Cash biopic “Walk the Line” and the intense drama “Girl, Interrupted”. However, his upcoming project could be the most demanding yet: a new “Star Wars” movie.

Collaborating with Beau Willimon, Mangold is delving into the “Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi” project. What sets this film apart is that it’s situated 25,000 years prior to any events in the known Star Wars universe. Mangold finds the concept intriguing as it allows him to examine an entirely fresh era, devoid of the burden of established Star Wars history.

During an interview with MovieWeb, Mangold mentioned his attraction to the project due to the opportunity it presents for crafting something new and original.

The Star Wars film is set 25,000 years prior to any other known Star Wars movies. It’s a time period and setting I’ve longed to delve into since my teenage years, serving as an inspiration. At this stage, I’m not overly concerned about being bound by so much established lore that it seems almost unchangeable, and it’s difficult to satisfy everyone.

Source: MovieWeb

In a franchise recognized for recurring motifs, it’s challenging, as George Lucas described it, like writing rhymes in poetry. However, Mangold feels that exploring a distinct time frame offers him the artistic freedom he requires.

He mentioned that he, along with Willimon, are collaborating on a unique screenplay for the film, and their commitment is to deliver an entirely fresh narrative and high-quality script to us.

Mangold’s history demonstrates his willingness to venture into uncharted territories. He has been responsible for some memorable films such as Logan and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Regardless of whether they are box office successes or failures, his primary goal is to stir emotions in audiences. In his own words:

“I don’t shy away from taking risks. My films might not always be blockbuster hits, but my intention is to evoke feelings in the audience.

Achieving success isn’t always certain, but it’s essential to connect with people on an emotional level to gain their agreement, whether it’s a big-budget franchise or a smaller dramatic film. In most cases, the films that leave lasting impressions are the ones that evoke emotions within us.

What initially captures our attention, be it intelligent, spectacular or breathtaking, often loses its charm over time, making way for the next awe-inspiring spectacle a year later. It’s not just about the intellectual or visual appeal, but the emotional connection that truly determines whether we revisit these films or not. In essence, it’s the feelings, those personal and subjective responses, that ultimately define our attachment to these movies.

Source: MovieWeb

It’s uncertain when we’ll catch a glimpse of “Dawn of the Jedi,” but this much is certain: Mangold isn’t sticking with the conventional. Instead, he’s putting his faith in creativity to create an enduring impression.

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2025-01-08 15:43