Netflix Deal Reportedly to Blame for Game of Thrones Showrunner’s Star Wars Exit


Star Wars fans were surprised when word came out earlier this week that Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss had decided to exit the Star Wars trilogy they were planning to develop for Lucasfilm. No one expected the two to leave Star Wars – Disney had even set release dates for the next three films in the franchise.

Now, a new write-up by The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy had become skeptical of Benioff and Weiss' ability to focus on their Star Wars trilogy right after they designed to sign a new deal with Netflix.

The Lucasfilm executive doubted the showrunners' ability to multitask between multiple projects after the two had given statements that they preferred focusing one production at a time if they could help it. Speaking in interviews before their Star Wars trilogy had been announced, Weiss and Benioff declared that they would rather not work on any other project until they completed Game of Thrones. However, just as the two were to begin working on their Star Wars trilogy, the pair announced their new deal with Netflix.

According to the report, Benioff and Weiss reportedly told potential suitors, including Netflix, that they were planning to juggle their projects together with the Star Wars trilogy they had promised Lucasfilm. This irritated Kennedy. The Lucasfilm president didn't like that the filmmakers decided to sign on a major development deal together with Netflix even though they know they'll find themselves preoccupied with the Star Wars franchise.

Now, Benioff and Weiss are gone and it looks like Star Wars' future seems rather uncertain. What do you think of the Game of Thrones showrunner's exit? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres December 20, 2019.

Read: Star Wars Could Find Difficulty Hiring Directors After Multiple Firings

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