New Star Wars Showrunner Leslye Headland Admits She Doesn't Love Writing

Russian Doll creator Leslye Headland will serve as the writer, executive producer, and showrunner of an upcoming Star Wars series set to debut on Disney+. The franchise has been criticized for its lack of representation on screen, which makes Headland's role all the more significant for the beloved universe. As much as the filmmaker loves what she does, she admits that she doesn't love writing.

In a recent interview with EW, Headland says it's "shocking to hear" about her place in the history of Star Wars, knowing that there are "so few of us that are allowed to sit at the table." The filmmaker adds that she feels "incredibly grateful and lucky" to do so, but she also says "a lot of this business is luck."

"I think that when you're working at a disadvantage, meaning you are part of an oppressed or marginalized community," Headland adds. "It is very difficult, as they say, to become what you cannot see." This is also the reason that motivates her to keep writing, even though she thinks it's "terrible" and is probably her least favorite part in making a project.

"Pitching is exhausting. When people are like, 'How do I pitch?' I'm like, 'Well, sit down for a second, let me explain it to you because it's working on the project for six months until they tell you you didn't get the job,'" she continued. This happens especially with big projects such as Star Wars, Marvel, or DC, because there's "a lot of work." Though Headland thinks the "hardest part is getting in the room."

While she admits that writing isn't her favorite part in the process of making such projects, the fact that her motivation to continue and "become what you cannot see" shows her dedication, and at some point, the LGBTQ community's struggle of "getting in the room." Hopefully, Headland's involvement in the upcoming Star Wars show will lead to more on-screen and off-screen representations within the franchise in the future.

Also Read: Star Wars: The Mandalorian Director Explains Why Working on the Series was Terrifying