Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer, was honored with the George Pal Memorial Award at the 51st Annual Saturn Awards. He took the time to talk to Temple of Geek and revealed what makes great Star Wars.

The George Pal Memorial Award is given to someone who is a visionary storyteller in their field. Dave Filoni has been a favorite storyteller for Star Wars fans every since he was showrunner for the animated show The Clone Wars. Working with the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, gives him a unique insight into Star Wars storytelling. He went on to create Star Wars: Rebels, Ahsoka, The Mandalorian and so much more.

Nick Williams:
You got an award for being a visionary in storytelling . . . [f]or you, what makes great Star Wars?

Dave Filoni:
Well, that’s a great question. I think that it’s different now as it’s evolved, because we have many different types of Star Wars stories. And I think that’s important. I don’t think there is any one type of story. I think that, you know, George (Lucas) lays down the blueprint for what it is in an action-adventure. But it’s fun, it’s inspirational. It gives the audience a sense of wonder and hope.

(Cont.) But, you know, I think we can have many different forms of that now. When you look at what we do across animation and shows like Andor . . . some are much more darker in tone than they used to be. There are many ways for creatives, I think, express what they like about Star Wars or what interested them.

So there’s no one answer anymore. It’s just, you know, got to have engaging characters and, you know, for us to believe in and want to root for. And certainly I think all the stories we’ve told apply to that at least. But yeah, that’s kind of what’s exciting. Now when you look at even Star Wars: Visions and the dynamic ways that artists express themselves through the animation medium and what they love about Star Wars. So it’s it’s a great time to to see all these expressions and love for this thing.

Check out more of our Saturn Awards coverage here.