Kathleen Kennedy, the co-chair of Lucasfilm, holds the future of the force in her hands.
She's been one the creative minds behind a lot of Hollywood hits since the late '70s, working in particular with Steven Spielberg on his films from "1941" to Oscar-nominated "Lincoln."
And, she's already going to great lengths for "Star Wars," bringing on Oscar-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt ("Toy Story 3") and original franchise writer Lawrence Kasdan as a consult.
Now, Kennedy's magically enlisted the talent of J.J. Abrams as director—a task that she went to great lengths to secure.
In her first in-depth interview since acquiring the reigns of Lucasfilm, Kennedy opened up to The Hollywood Reporter not only on the measures she's taken to revive Lucas' coveted franchise, but also on her past works revealing that she has the gusto to take on The Force.
If you've been worried, or are still concerned about the future of "Star Wars," it's time to take a breather. Here's why ...
Kennedy persuaded J.J. Abrams to direct the new "Star Wars," even after he turned down the job.
In November, Abrams told EW and various outlets he would be too busy with original projects to work on "Star Wars."
The "Star Wars" executive producer spoke and met with J.J. Abrams anyway in December in hopes to change his mind.
"We spent a lot of time talking about how meaningful "Star Wars" is and the depth of the mythology that George has created and how we carry that into the next chapter," Kennedy said.
All she had to do was say "please."
"I learned firsthand how incredible and persuasive she is," said Abrams. "The thing about any pre-existing franchise -- I'd sort of done that. But when I met with Kathy, it was suddenly very tantalizing."
Or, she's just very good with Jedi mind tricks because all Kennedy said she asked Abrams was to "Please do 'Star Wars.'"
She already has the respect of top directors.
"Social Network" director David Fincher recalled his working relationship with Kennedy:
"When you, as a director -- call Kathy and say 'I need this …' she can actually remember the meeting where you explained why something was LINCHPIN to an effect you were trying to create -- or helped support an idea that you felt was essential to the story you are telling, and SHE CAN ACT ON IT.
So when Kennedy said Abrams brought up his "very genuine concerns" about other projects and the impact the role would take on his family she hinted the timeframe of the film's release may alter.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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