The streamer Disney Plus has announced that it is currently developing a new Star Wars television program centered around a female character, according to Deadline. From the streaming service announcement, the upcoming addition to the intergalactic universe will be under the control of Leslye Headland. The series’ cast and its narrative have yet to be fully revealed to the public. However, the untitled original program will be within the action-thriller genre and its events will occur on a different timeline than the typical Star Wars universe its fans are accustomed to.
Headland is best known for her film and television work as a director and writer. The upcoming showrunner has directed the 2015 film Sleeping with Other People in addition to collecting directing credits for Paramount’s Heathers and two Showtime series in Black Monday and SMILF. Recently, she has created the Netflix drama Russian Doll alongside Natasha Lyonne (Orange is the New Black) and Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live) which has received critical acclaim for its eight-episode first season. The series follows Lyonne as Nadia who is stuck within her own Groundhog’s Day, except it is celebrating her 36th birthday. The comedy has amassed four Primetime Emmy Award Nominations that include Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Lead Actress for Lyonne.
Headland’s upcoming series adds to the existing and future Disney Plus series within the Star Wars universe. The streamer first saw success with the debut of Jon Favreau’s (Iron Man) first season of The Mandalorian which aired in the fall of 2019. Additionally, this female-led series will add to the future Star Wars projects for the streamer which include the likes of Obi-Wan Kenobi series led by Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting) and a series revolving around Rogue One.