In a galaxy not so far away, a disturbance in the form emerged with the potential to shake the very foundations of the Star Wars universe to its core – the feared disbandment of Lucasfilm Animation. But as with every saga, separating fact from fiction is crucial.
To begin with, the pressing news making waves lately is the closure of Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) facility in Singapore. The facility, which has stood as an emblem of cinematic excellence for almost 20 years, is being shut down due to economic fluctuations impacting the entertainment industry and not just Disney. The repercussions of this are, if nothing else, undeniably severe, potentially leading to around 300 layoffs. This revelation triggered a slew of anxiety, misinformation, and hearsay, which brings us to where we are right now.
The immediacy and frenzy of the digital age often lead to the swift metamorphosis of a fact into a distorted reality. This is evident in the widespread misconception, stemming from an ambiguous interpretation of the initial report. Contrary to popular belief, Lucasfilm Animation remains untouched by this closure.
Joel Aron, Lucasfilm’s director of cinematography, lighting, and VFX, took to social media to clarify this. He emphasized, “Just to be clear, we’re not affected by this closure,” asserting that their animation division is not based in Singapore but operates predominantly from San Francisco.
Lucasfilm Animation is not closing. FYI.
— joelaron (@joelaron) August 16, 2023
This clarification is essential given the ongoing production of The Bad Batch Season 3 and Tales of the Jedi Season 2. Both series have garnered immense adulation and expectation, with the latter remaining shrouded in a delightful aura of mystery. Dave Filoni, the creator of Tales of the Jedi, teased fans, hinting at the sheer exhilaration of the creation of the series but stopping short of revealing any intricate details.
Thankfully, fans can continue getting excited for the release of the upcoming animated shows.
The volatile landscape of streaming animation, as observed with Netflix and Warner Bros’ Discovery’s previous issues, stirs apprehension. Streaming platforms, often in their turbulent phases, seem eager to bear down on animation, raising concerns over Lucasfilm Animation’s future endeavors. Would the animation division, in light of the closure news, shift its focus to minor projects or perhaps even consider winding down?
However, these fears appear unfounded. The Lucasfilm Animation division operates under Lucasfilm Limited (LFL) rather than being directly overseen by Disney. This distinction is of paramount significance. Dave Filoni, the captain behind the wheel of Lucasfilm’s animation, enjoys an unparalleled influence, safeguarding its visionary trajectory. But, that’s not all. Kathleen Kennedy’s commendation tour to Japanese animation studios post the success of Star Wars: Visions further underscores the studio’s commitment to animation.
In the wake of these clarifications, one can’t help but speculate about what’s next on the horizon. After The Bad Batch, anticipation bubbles for a series that seamlessly bridges the narrative chasm that lies in between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, among others. Such a venture could potentially reinvigorate interest in the sequel, setting the stage for Rey’s cinematic return, whenever that may be.
Indeed, the closing of Lucasfilm’s ILM facility in Singapore is a poignant chapter, but the core essence of the animation division remains untarnished. It’s an era of renewed hope, adventures, and cosmic tales waiting to be told. As we traverse this ever-evolving narrative cosmos, may the facts be with you!
