James Mangold Reveals Why ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ Will Work

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James Mangold has always been unafraid to tackle tough projects, ranging from a biopic about Johnny Cash (“Walk the Line”) to the emotionally charged “Girl, Interrupted” starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie. His diverse career choices include such challenges, but his upcoming work on a “Star Wars” film could be one of the most daunting tasks he’s ever undertaken—a significant statement indeed. Together with accomplished screenwriter Beau Willimon, Mangold is gearing up to approach the “Star Wars” universe in an exceptionally original way with “Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi”, a tale set in a distant past within a galaxy far, far away.

What really drew me to this project was the opportunity to delve into an untouched era of the “Star Wars” universe. As Mangold put it in his interview with MovieWeb, “For me, the key is the chance to create something fresh and unique.” Beau Willimon and I have been crafting a script for this film, and I’m eager to see if we can bring a new perspective to the franchise. Can we find a way to tell an original story? That’s what excites me about this project.

In the realm of Star Wars, where ideas often flow like verses of poetry as George Lucas put it, originality might buck tradition a bit. However, Mangold believes he’s found a solution embedded within the idea of Star Wars: The Dawn of the Jedi, which will lead him to the creative realm he desires. As he explained to MovieWeb:

The Star Wars film will be set approximately 25,000 years before any of the existing Star Wars movies. It is a setting and universe that I have long been eager to delve into and found intriguing as a young adult. However, I’m not particularly keen on being restricted by such an extensive body of lore at this stage, which seems almost inflexible, making it challenging to satisfy everyone.

‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ Will Be All About “The Feels”

Discussing his Bob Dylan biopic titled “A Complete Unknown“, where Timothée Chalamet delivers an outstanding performance in the lead role, Mangold spoke about his connection to Dylan’s lifelong journey of self-discovery. “In a humble sense,” he shared with MovieWeb, “I can relate to that.

Throughout my professional journey, I’ve taken delight in switching up my tasks. It’s not about transforming myself or Bob undergoing a fundamental change, but rather it’s about embracing new experiences that are unexpected, whether for others or for me, especially those that push my boundaries and surprise me.

A “Star Wars” movie undoubtedly fits this description. Throughout his career, Mangold has tackled cinematic peaks comparable to this, such as reportedly the best standalone “X-Men” film, “Logan.” He also didn’t hesitate when it came to reviving Harrison Ford’s legendary character Indiana Jones in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” However, success at the box office is not always guaranteed with Mangold’s daring approach. Yet, there’s usually a strategy that increases the chances of success, which Mangold intends to implement in his “Star Wars” project, as he shared with MovieWeb.

Success isn’t always certain, but generally, what resonates with most people is when they can connect emotionally with a situation. Whether it’s a big-budget franchise or a smaller dramatic film, the movies that leave a lasting impression are often those that evoke emotion. Movies that fail to move us, no matter how clever, impressive, or visually stunning, tend to be forgotten over time. It’s the emotional impact, the “feels,” if you will, that truly determines our attachment to these films and whether we choose to revisit them.

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2025-01-07 04:03