Women’s History Month is a beautiful chance to honor the wonderful women who inspire the world and a Galaxy far, far away. Shattering the glass ceiling in so many different professions, women across the globe have made strides in opening up more opportunities for women and making it safer.
Although there is more to do, it is important to take the time to acknowledge who has made the progress. The women of Star Wars, one of the most important pieces of pop culture, have contributed much to the entertainment industry, inspiring women, men, and non-binary folk all over the place.
The Trailblazers
Princess Leia Organa, brought to life by Carrie Fisher, is one of the most iconic characters in cinema. Her image emulates hope, leadership, and sagacity, as she stands front and center as the face of the Rebellion. From her moments of bravery in the original trilogy to her moments seen in the sequels and animated series, Leia Organa is undoubtedly an important woman in Star Wars history. She has stood as an idol for young women around the world to look up to and remains a strong figure for everyone.
Leia Organa in A New Hope
Mon Mothma, played by Genevieve O’Reilly, is another face of hope and strength in the Star Wars universe. She played an important role as an independent-thinking politician surrounded by corruption everywhere. She led the Rebellion, helped fund its start, and stayed true to her belief that the Galaxy deserves to be free and have a government that works for them. Genevieve O’Reilly is a strong woman in not only Star Wars but the entertainment industry as a whole, winning awards like the AACTA, BTVA, and IFTA.
Genevieve O’reilly
Leia’s strong political genes were inherited from her mother, Queen Padme Amidala, played by Natalie Portman. The mother of the two Galactic heroes of the Original Trilogy was perfectly cast in the Prequels. Natalie Portman is a woman who most definitely deserves to be recognized. Her portrayal of the woman who took a Galactic war head-on became a face of resistance for an entire Republic, and fought for the freedom of the oppressed was spot on.
Natalie Portman
Check out what to expect in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
The sequels brought a new female face front and center. Rey Skywalker, played by Daisy Ridley, had become the main character and the next face of hope and strength for a new generation. With the epic return of Star Wars under the control of Disney, a female face got to be the powerful Jedi that saves the galaxy. Her journey had shown dedication, strength, intelligence, and so much more. Rey Skywalker has allowed a new generation of younglings to see a woman from and center, as the hope and savior of an entire galaxy.
Through the groundwork laid out by the sequels, more opportunities have presented themselves and now, Ahsoka Tano, a long-time female face of the franchise is getting her own show. Initially voiced by Ashley Eckstein in The Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano was brought to live-action by Rosario Dawson in The Mandalorian. Dawson will headline Ahsoka, the Disney+ series that will focus on the independent roaming Jedi and her efforts to repair the galaxy and find her friends.
The Women Behind The Cameras
The wonderful women behind the cameras also need acknowledgment. From directors to writers, some incredible women have made major and unique contributions to Star Wars and the film industry as a whole. With the expansion of Star Wars through Disney+ many more opportunities have been presented. The women who fill these roles have done incredible work, created iconic characters, and won awards.
Bryce Dallas Howard on set of The Mandalorian
Bryce Dallas Howard is a talented director who had taken the reins for several episodes of The Mandalorian. The hit Disney+ show has taken the world by storm with Grogu and our mysterious knight in shining armor. She has contributed to other projects like The Book of Boba Fett and other famous pop-culture movies like Spider-Man and Jurassic World. Her genius has been recognized with awards like a SAGA and a large fan following.
Deborah Chow is another amazing director who contributed to the hit show, The Mandalorian, as well as Kenobi, where she took control of the show that brought the fan-favorite Jedi back to the screen. Chow’s direction for Kenobi earned her a nomination for the 2023 DGA Award. Chow has definitely taken the franchise to new heights, and her work in the film industry has opened many doors for women around the world.
Deborah Chow on set of “The Mandalorian”
Kathleen Kennedy, the head of Lucasfilm is a woman who has contributed to shattering the glass ceiling. As a head of such a large, influential, and established LLC Kennedy has had a direct influence on the Star Wars franchise and through that, pop culture. Her career in the entertainment industry is a testament to how hard work, intelligence, and passion can pay off in the long run. She had co-founded Amblin back in the 1980s and grew her presence and prestige in Hollywood and had a large influence on pop culture.
Kathleen Kennedy
The other amazing women who are involved with the franchise that has not been mentioned are just as important as the rest. With so many strides made in the industry, there are certainly chances for more to be made. A major “thank you” to these trailblazing women who have helped to produce one of the largest franchises in pop culture.
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