Ep. 374 - Dave Filoni

On this episode, Ahsoka creator and Mandalorian writer Dave Filoni talks about expanding the Stars Wars universe, his new role as Lucasfilm’s Chief Content Officer, and more.
#starwars

[@nenkogenov]

I miss getting George Lucas' insightful thoughts, not just on Star Wars, but on art and life in general. But when Dave Filoni speaks (or tells a story), he fills in that void. I love it! Thank you both for this video!

[@coobyraccoon]

Fantastic conversation. Great interview skills.

[@marjoe32]

Amazing interview. Love what Dave has been doing.

[@SraMacaco]

Oh, this was so good! I love Dave’s innate kindness and generosity of spirit. I wonder if his comments on how hard it is to admit we’ve been wrong and say, “I’m sorry,” was a reference to the current hateful attitude toward The Acolyte. His talk of Luke at the very end brought me to tears. Great interview!

[@LordInvictus-yt]

Are you saying people are born in the wrong body?

[@SraMacaco]

@@LordInvictus-yt What?!? Apologies, but I don’t understand what your question is referring to.

[@hotwaterclark]

Brian, Great job. As a fan of the Ahsoka character, I appreciated how knowledgeable you were and how you could really interact with Dave about the subject across animation to live action. And thanks for bringing up how stoic she was in her show at the beginning. My wife stopped watching because she was so wooden in the first few episodes. Listening to Dave it really makes so much sense.

[@TheRealOzWookiee]

In Filoni we trust ;)

[@EirikBull]

Loved this episode.

[@jasontucker1760]

Really solid interview, Brian! As a LONG time SW fan, it’s rare to hear new details from the creatives behind the creative, but mission accomplished. As a writer, I’d love to see Lucas Film implement some sort of live-action apprenticeship program for prototyping their new projects. Almost like a live-action, non-cannon, collection of SW shorts that would premier annually on Disney+. That structure might better allow young talent to cut their teeth, bold ideas to be explored, audience engagement to be tested, and less cost to spent per/idea. Also, it could be a nice vehicle for ‘Graduating’ prestige-worthy teams and stories within Lucas Film. Anyway, thanks for sharing, Brian!-

[@LordInvictus-yt]

What a nice way of saying "stop hiring newbies." Well, that's actually up to Disney, not Dave.

[@ToastLabs]

This interviewer is amazing. Came here for Filoni and stayed for this dude

[@AshanBhatoa]

A flawed, yet overall good creative, however still one I respect with insight and knowledge Always to have an interesting enjoyable interview with Filoni.

[@milddiffuse]

Really great interview. Love it!

[@writingref]

I'm actually glad Rian J showed him the ropes of the camera before JJ

[@gamerchords4526]

Dave Filoni is a LEGEND!! He’s truly carrying the torch from George Lucas 👏🏼

[@johntempleton3560]

what???😵‍💫

[@RM-rh3mz]

🫣

[@Toneloke-3000]

The legend of writing Cannon breaking garbage

[@TheBigRed-sc5dr]

Thanks, 3rd and Fairfax and Dave Filoni!!! George Lucas brought a lot of his universe into our collective zeitgeist, but Dave and his entire company has ran with it. Until i saw Clone Wars I never really saw the clones or understood who they were. In fact I never really bothered to understand any of the characters. But since the Clone Wars, Prequels and the following material has really opened my eyes to all the characters plights and that life isn't black and white or right and wrong. It's simply life and how you choose to live it! ❤ Keep bringing out these treasures! It makes this world shine even brighter! 🎉

[@senatorchris3134]

Thanks for putting this on KZbin, Dave is such a visionary, I could listen to him for hours. You must have him back on after Asoka season 2, and hello from Australia.

[@NileStudios]

I’ve enjoyed this episode tremendously. Thank you for bringing this gem to us to hear his thought process throughout his career.

[@DakPrescottlol]

Dave doing heavy PR rounds this week. I wonder why..

[@rvds2040]

gee i wonder why too, maybe perhaps possibly ahsoka season 2 ?

[@Ryanzires]

Or they’re trying to get some positivity going with all the acolyte drama.

[@IndieFilmmaker82]

It's because the strikes stopped them from doing Ahsoka press when it was 'airing'. There's some awards it's eligible for.

[@brandonsmith9098]

1. A new show comes out, Lucasfilm is promoting it. 2. I don't know if you kept up with any events, especially last year, but there were two strikes that limited actors and writers and their public relations.

[@williambrackin]

Lucasfilm is mounting a campaign for Ahsoka for major awards consideration (Emmys, Golden Globes, etc). It’s the normal process for this. All of the major show runners and actors for the programs that have “buzz” tend to do this. Rosario Dawson and Hayden Christiansen have been making the media rounds as well.

[@JustinMatthew95]

This confirms what we already knew, Dave gets it. But man is he surrounded by some hacks at Disney.

[@Legomyegoorj]

Congrats on missing the point of Dave’s words. And work.

[@LordInvictus-yt]

@@Legomyegoorj Disney's hand is up his ass puppeteering his words.

[@JustinMatthew95]

@@Legomyegoorj Dave is a great guy and seems like a genuine human being. I appreciate him for that but why can’t I criticize art? Have you seen book of boba fett?! Don’t tell me that’s good writing on any level.

[@writingref]

I wonder if Filoni has a Padawan - if star wars is to survive, he needs one to train in the ways of star wars

[@williamlarochelle3160]

The Jedi episode of Mando introduced Rosario well, and I was happy that she got the role despite the weirdos and safe spacers throwing allegations at her on Twitter. But I don't get the writing of the Ahsoka series and the slow pace. It forgets the Lucas direction, "faster and more intense."

[@brandonsmith9098]

The culture warrior bots are out in full force on here. Nevermind watching this video and commenting on the substance of the interview like a rational adult. Nah, it's someone related to Star Wars so they have to cry, scream and moan about their grievances.

[@jacobshraim4231]

Dude. It’s the truth. Star Wars is dead. I’m with the fans. Your just living in a bubble.

[@brandonsmith9098]

@jacobshraim4231 Insisting that something is the "truth" based on zero evidence and culture warriors on the internet doesn't make it the truth. A fan isn't going to declare a franchise dead and actively cheer on failure, perceived or real. Judging by this comment if you want to see someone living in a bubble take a good long look in the mirror.

[@Ruylopez778]

The more people like you call them "bots" and invalidate their opinion, like access media do, the more they will shout, because they're tired of being called bigots and blamed for things flopping. We've seen studios with same failed strategy of blaming fans for Ghostbusters, He-Man, Indy, LOTR, Bond, Dr Who, Terminator, MCU, Little Mermaid, so this isn't unique to Star Wars, and your bait and spite won't change that. Look at how these franchises TANK and then show it's just a "bubble" that are sick of this. In movies and gaming, fans are turning to stuff from five or ten years ago.

[@brandonsmith9098]

@Ruylopez778 They're bots. Stop trying to make excuses for them. They are clearly a minority and have nothing better to do with their time or lives then waste it on the internet.

[@Ruylopez778]

@@brandonsmith9098 So when Willow got taken off D+, when Indy flopped, that was because of bots? We already know from Disney that 5 day viewership was 20% down Ahsoka, the second lowest debut after Andor. Even some channels that tend to be positive or neutral are either luke warm or disappointed with this show. It's got a 6.4/10 by RT top critics and 67 on metacritic. The only metacritic SW show lower is BoBF.

[@Vaggeli]

John Connor 🤝 Dave Filoni. Saviours protected by Michael Biehn

[@LordInvictus-yt]

"canon is like jazz, not classical" - Blues or bebop? Some jazz has rules, some doesn't.

[@lcheng000]

Dave Filoni has interesting ideas but terrible sense of pacing.

[@Gunnumn]

Dave is the shadow of his former self. Now he's a yes man and hires people to handle lore. People who have distaste for star wars, vis a vis Pablo Hidalgo.

[@johntempleton3560]

Ahsoka was a bland live action show........ at best

[@Sparda_LDK]

People say anything on the internet….

[@kingkwon8002]

@@Sparda_LDKThrawn is the most incompetent Star Wars commander since Hux, only the show doesn’t realize it

[@ryanjohnson3392]

I don’t agree. Its my favorite live action Star Wars since 2005

[@Adam-yf3ss]

Correct. Disappointing.

[@Okamimaru01]

@@kingkwon8002Ha! You’re funny

[@barkley8285]

Dave Phony

[@AshanBhatoa]

Eh, he is a man with flaws - I can acknowledge that. I am not certain you understand what phony means.

[@barkley8285]

@@AshanBhatoa he’s a fraud

[@EngineeredTheMind]

Does he share any thoughts on how he feels about being part of destroying everything that Lucas had built before Disney took over? WHy does he or anyone at Disney expect fans to pretend George doesn't exist and hasn't shared thoughts on what he thinks Disney has done with his work? Why did Disney rush making the sequel movies and not have a plan? What is the plan now in making shows and movies for a modern audience that doesn't exist?

[@cullybourg7598]

You going to work with me Dave Oscars Octtavious Bourg my Great Great Great Grandfather Ebb Cott Emmien Cott and Emarel Cott the three names of Walt Disney my cousins I am Tweety Bird I’m going to build Disney Monarails across the Earth

[@richalexander1138]

I wish the media would challenge today's writers to delve deeper into the reasons behind their choices. Take Star Wars, for example-it's become increasingly divisive. By continually applauding mediocre work, we're only encouraging more of the same. It's time for better storytelling; we deserve more.

[@RokBraker]

What a great journey Dave is on. I grew up during the OT years, which I cherish, but Dave has given us some of my absolute favorite SW moments.

[@LordInvictus-yt]

I'd be sad. It's like sitting on the deck of the Titanic.

[@user-gt6ye8cr4z]

I live here in santa rosa, CA in sonoma county. there have been dave filoni sightings at snoopys ice arena of him on the ice and in the bleachers catching a local ice hockey match. dude is legit.

[@toddhensley880]

19:10 good lesson for some of the fans.

[@Betty_Mez]

« If you want to know What makes SW work, you Watch What George made » … hmmm… Time to Watch what he would have done new now…

[@davidhulsman5359]

I could listen to this episode for hours/days. Great episode.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Brian! Thanks, Dave! 🌟

[@UserName-vv1ws]

Ahsoka!!! Dave!! I love you

[@SpiceRunnersLounge]

Great interview

[@Redfivee]

Nice to hear from Dave again.He never does podcasts anymore.Too bad he’s still only focused on one thing Ahsoka.SW is so bubbled it’s become boring both in its characters and storytelling.

[@jeremypage3370]

With all due respect to Mr. Feloni, Im just curious as to the direction of Disney SW. I was among the first generation of OT fans that saw them in the theater as they came out. I enjoyed them immensely as a kid, and remained a casual fan through the years. Ive managed to see everything DSW has released, more out of curiosity than anything, and some i liked, some i didnt. But i have to ask (rhetorically) who is the new DSW being made for? From what i can gather, there seems to be a massive civil war occuring among SW fans. "Toxic" fans vs. covert PR "shills", etc. A few things occured to me; why is the budget of the Acolyte 180 million dollars? And where is it on the screen? What happened between season 2 and 3 of Mando behind the scenes in the offices and writers room? Im not trying to sound toxic, im just honestly curious. While i hate seeing personal attacks on Kennedy (or anyone), i do feel she bears some responsibility for what appears to be immense dissatisfaction among SW community. Disney is not some avante garde artistic community, they are a billion dollar conglomerate that got that way by knowing their audience. Perhaps its time to give someone else a shot at president of Lucasfilm. The bar for SW used to be set higher than "good, not great".

[@whomped_]

why are you quoting toxic fans? You are one of them.

[@jeremypage3370]

@@whomped_ you've kind of made my point. I merely asked some questions. I offered opinions without resorting to name calling. These questions aren't quoting toxic fans, I'm sure others have them as well. I presented everything in a respectful way. Perhaps a nuanced discussion of this IP is no longer possible. In that case, perhaps comment sections should no longer be available.

[@Flismz]

​@@jeremypage3370 "Wow, how dare you respond negatively to my negative rant! I'm just aSkInG qUeStIoNs 🤓"

[@jeremypage3370]

@@Flismz fair point.

[@MysticTroll]

Ok cool but what about the droid attack on the wookies?

[@RogueIntel]

So Dave is Rebelling against Lucas because he rejected most of Dave's Idea?

[@undisclosed_branding9714]

Say it louder for the grifters in the back trashing The Acolyte

[@rachelblack314]

RIP Star Wars.

[@KingMeneldil]

As chief creative officer, he' done a shit job.

[@voidn833]

1. He’s just starting that role, it’s been less than a year. 2. If you’re pointing to the Acolyte as evidence, that was in production one year before he started as a CCO. Can things be better? A whole lot definitely I’m with you on that but let’s keep to well-aimed criticism.

[@egoing74]

Filoni is a storyboard artist who has an unhealthy obsession with Ahsoka Tano.

[@gg-jakey1154]

Make him as the CEO of Star Wars we need Dave Maloney

[@PresidentBob1989]

You serious? How is the Acolyte turning out.

[@jedsithor]

@@PresidentBob1989 That's not him though and while he's technically the one overseeing everything, Kathleen Kennedy is the one ultimately in charge and deciding what Star Wars projects to green light.

[@kode-red]

@@PresidentBob1989 Dave wasn't involved in The Acolyte.

[@aathmpsn]

​@@PresidentBob1989 the Acolyte is 3/8 through telling its story. That how it is right now. Take it easy until it's complete, you'll be better for it

[@johntempleton3560]

based on what???? Ahsoka??? please no

[@Сайтамен]

Dave Filoni is an overrated hack who relies only on fanservice instead of developing characters.

[@PresidentBob1989]

Dave failed the fan.

[@ItzFinnick]

Cry about it

[@Santux98]

?

[@isaiahvilla6691]

Do me a favor How about you go cry to you're mommy about it

[@americantragedies]

Like a ceiling fan?

[@RM-rh3mz]

@@ItzFinnick I have been for a decade.

[@Jaake-my2rq]

I see the Bob Iger of "Lucasfilm" and shyster supreme has once again somehow managed to make a few people believe that he's good for Star Wars. After researching the best episodes of 'Rebels', I was not in the least surprised to discover that he had ZERO hand in writing them. This Cartoon Network reject is just another sad example of someone appointed to a position and responsibility that far exceeds their pay grade. And when they inevitably fail, their solution is to blame the audience.

[@jacobshraim4231]

Thank you!!!

[@Jaake-my2rq]

@@jacobshraim4231 My pleasure. I can't stand that two-faced prick.

[@Kriv-kj6lk]

When did he blame his audience?

[@Ruylopez778]

If you look at how Filoni/Favreau market and make their shows it's totally different from the others. They don't get hostile to backlash, they just shut up. They don't make DEI the focus of panels or interviews. But thy have to work within the confines of Disney. I think it's more that Filoni will tolerate projects like The Acolyte, and aim to steer them in the right direction, but there's only so much lipstick you can put on a pig. I think the biggest problem s making too many shows at once, jumping around the timeline. They should have gone all in on Mandalorian as soon as the pilot show was seen to be popular, and scrapped everything else. But Favreau and Filoni also know how important characters like Luke are, and I think they're scared of doing something unpopular or risky, which leaves them stuck in the middle ground with cameos and deepfakes. They scared to recast, and would rather build up the era with their own characters like Ahsoka and Sabine. That said, BoBF and Ahsoka and Mando have some really weak and cheap scenes that undermine what they were trying to do. While KK, JJ and Rian were happy to take a wrecking ball to the franchise, I think Filoni is trying to preserve it with the tone of his shows, even they don't have the budget or time to do it properly.

[@Jaake-my2rq]

​@@Kriv-kj6lk Since when is he required to be the messenger and actual mouthpiece? Hell, that he rarely talks is far and away his best attribute. Contrary to this weird, flawed, and long held perception by fans that Filoni just floats around the "Lucasfilm" offices in a state of Xanax-induced autonomy while Kitten and Harvey's Girl lob another molotov cocktail at the PR suite, Filoni is a 100% bought-in believer in the church of the DEI checkbox. He's the second vertex in the Triangle of Suck, and now he gets to share in the fun when his two idiot co-workers start sh1tting where they eat. AGAIN.

[@LordInvictus-yt]

"If she's always going to make the right decision, it's not very interesting." - This implies Dave always knows right from wrong. Dave shouldn't worry, he couldn't write a morally perfect character if he tried.

[@CornyBum]

Props to the interviewer for his familiarity with _Star Wars,_ it seemed to benefit the interview.