What happens when a seasoned storyteller stands just on the edge of a galaxy far, far away?
The Star Wars sequel trilogy sparked years of passionate discussion, praise, and critique. While many fans fixate on what was, just as intriguing is the question of what might have been—especially when considering the involvement of Simon Kinberg, a creative force who came close to reshaping Star Wars history. Though he never became the household name attached to the final films, Kinberg’s fingerprints remain scattered throughout the galaxy, from Lucasfilm projects to animated masterpieces.
This article dives into Kinberg’s near-brush with shaping the Star Wars sequel era, his creative vision, and the alternate paths the saga could’ve taken had he taken the helm.
The Early Connection: Kinberg and Lucasfilm
Simon Kinberg's name often surfaces in conversations around franchises. Best known for his work on the X-Men series and Sherlock Holmes, Kinberg was brought into the Star Wars fold around the same time as Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Arndt. In 2012, when Disney acquired Lucasfilm and began plotting a new trilogy, Kinberg was tapped as one of the key architects for the future of Star Wars.
Initial reports suggested that Kinberg was set to write Episode VIII or IX, possibly even develop a standalone spin-off. In a different timeline, the Star Wars sequel trilogy might have looked very different—with Kinberg guiding its tone and trajectory.
What Was Kinberg’s Vision for Star Wars?
While Kinberg never directed or officially scripted one of the sequel trilogy films, his involvement wasn’t merely speculative. In various interviews, he revealed he had multiple long conversations with Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas about the future of the franchise. His approach leaned heavily into character-driven storytelling and mythic resonance—a trait visible in his other work.
Kinberg also emphasized the need for continuity and respect for legacy characters, something many fans felt was lacking in the final trilogy. He reportedly aimed to bridge the old and the new with thematic depth, especially focusing on identity, legacy, and the Force as more than just a power—more as a moral compass.
Rebels: Where Kinberg Left His Mark
While Kinberg never helmed a sequel film, his influence became deeply embedded in Star Wars Rebels, where he served as an executive producer and writer. The animated series, praised for its emotional storytelling and lore expansion, became a spiritual foundation for what many hoped the sequel trilogy might reflect.
Characters like Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarrus embodied the balance between new storytelling and classic Star Wars ideals. Through Rebels, Kinberg proved he could handle the universe’s weight while offering something fresh and meaningful.
It’s hard to ignore the echoes of Kinberg’s style—nuanced character arcs, found family dynamics, and philosophical takes on the Force—that might’ve taken the sequel trilogy in a more cohesive direction.
A Sequel Trilogy That Never Was
Imagine a sequel trilogy that leaned deeper into spiritual legacy, explored more of the post-Empire galactic rebuild, and presented a more unified arc across its three films. Had Kinberg been given the reins, it's possible we would’ve seen more synergy between films, less tonal whiplash, and perhaps a deeper meditation on the Skywalker bloodline beyond surface-level fanfare.
Instead of Rey’s sudden Palpatine connection, would Kinberg have leaned into the idea of Force users emerging from anywhere—not bound by lineage? Could Kylo Ren's redemption have been more slowly earned, tied to deeper psychological threads than a last-minute save? These are only speculative questions, but they shine a light on how different the trilogy could have felt under his guidance.
Beyond the Sequels: Kinberg’s Star Wars Legacy
Even though his grand cinematic Star Wars project never materialized, Kinberg’s relationship with Lucasfilm projects never truly ended. His behind-the-scenes influence, connections with Filoni and Kennedy, and storytelling ethos still ripple through the franchise’s extended media.
In a way, Kinberg represents a fork in the timeline—a version of Star Wars that prioritized long-form arcs, character introspection, and a clearer narrative plan. It’s a version that fans only glimpse in Rebels, in interviews, and in the "what ifs" of fan discussion boards.
Read More
- Kanan Jarrus's Lightsaber Techniques: A Jedi's Journey in 'Star Wars Rebels'
- Why Lucasfilm Entrusted Simon Kinberg to Pilot the Next ‘Star Wars’ Movies
FAQs
Was Simon Kinberg ever officially part of the Star Wars sequel trilogy team?
Yes—he was initially brought in alongside other writers to help shape the direction of the trilogy but didn’t end up writing any of the final scripts.
What Star Wars projects did Kinberg work on?
Kinberg was executive producer and writer on Star Wars Rebels, a critically acclaimed animated series.
Did Kinberg’s Star Wars vision ever get published?
No complete scripts or treatments have been released, but interviews and industry reports offer insight into his thematic interests and ideas.
Why didn’t Kinberg direct a Star Wars film?
Lucasfilm reportedly shifted direction during development, favoring other creative voices for the main trilogy and spin-offs.
Simon Kinberg’s Star Wars: A Legacy of Possibility
In the vast constellation of Lucasfilm projects, not all stars get their time to shine. Simon Kinberg’s potential contributions remain one of Star Wars’ most compelling what-ifs. His influence, subtle but significant, reminds fans that behind every saga lies a multitude of untold stories—and storytellers who almost changed everything.