5 reasons why Reed Morano should direct a Star Wars movie
There’s speculation that the Handmaid’s Tale director will helm a Star Wars flick. Here are five reasons why we hope the rumors are true.
Even if you don’t know her name, chances are you know Reed Morano’s work. She directed the first three episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale as well as a few movies, and did the cinematography for this little project called Lemonade. And now, per The Hollywood Reporter, Morano might be heading to a galaxy far, far away next.
Morano told THR that she’d had a meeting with Lucasfilm’s president, Kathleen Kennedy:
"[Kennedy’s] amazing … Any movie that I put my finger on that I loved when I was growing up was a movie that she produced. Anyway, it was a great meeting. Obviously, I can’t say anything about what else we were talking about."
Naturally, this nugget led THR to ask the million-dollar question, “Is Reed Morano the next Star Wars director?” We really, really hope so. Here’s why we’re pulling for her:
Star Wars has never had a female director before
This one’s a no-brainer. If time’s really up on sexism in Hollywood, then time’s also up on Star Wars‘ behind-the-scenes boys’ club. In its 40-year history, the film franchise has never had a woman director. That’s just unacceptable.
The Wonder Woman effect
Wonder Woman reminded Hollywood of a few things when it opened last June: 1) women can make big budget films, 2) people will go see movies directed by women, and 3) women have unique stories to tell. It’s likely that Wonder Woman would have been a hit no matter who directed it, but I seriously doubt it would have become the juggernaut that it is today if someone other than Patty Jenkins had stepped behind the camera. Jenkins emphasized Diana Prince’s power, conviction, and compassion and in doing so, made the film one of the best of 2017.
Imagine a character like Rey or Jyn Erso or Vice Admiral Holdo or Rose having her own No Man’s Land moment. That’s why the Star Wars franchise needs a femaldirector.
Morano has the skills and the experience
Morano is more than qualified to lead a Star Wars film. She won an Emmy for her direction on The Handmaid’s Tale, a gig that’s also landed her a DGA Award nod. She helmed the 2015 drama Meadowland, her second feature, I Think We’re Alone Now, is about to debut at Sundance, and she’s currently filming her third, The Rhythm Section. Also an expert DP, Morano is responsible for the lovely aesthetics of projects like Looking, Kill Your Darlings, and of course, Lemonade.
Not only is Morano capable of directing a Star Wars flick, she’s capable of directing a gorgeous Star Wars flick.
Kennedy has recently been vocal about supporting women in Hollywood
After the Harvey Weinstein revelations broke, Kennedy publicly called for “zero tolerance policies for abusive behavior.” She and several other women were also behind last month’s launch of the Commission on Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality in the Workplace. Now, not hiring a female director is definitely not the same as condoning sexual misconduct or harassment. But misogyny is systemic: part of the problem is that women are constantly passed over for leadership roles. Bringing Morano on would be a way for Kennedy to put her money where her mouth is as a feminist. If she’s serious about gender equality, finding a female Star Wars director just makes sense.
This is a natural step for Star Wars to take
The new Star Wars trilogy and most recent standalone film, Rogue One, are led by female protagonists. The movies also feature racially diverse casts: actors include Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Lupita Nyong’o, Kelly Marie Tran, Diego Luna, and Riz Ahmed. Onscreen, Star Wars is catching up with the modern world (although it still has prominent LGBTQ blind spots). It’s only right that the beloved franchise becomes more inclusive offscreen, as well.
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Star Wars: The Last Jedi is in theaters now.