Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy Reportedly Blocked Major Marvel Announcement at D23

by Josh Ramos · October 1, 2022

With both studios being some of the biggest for Disney, it appears that Lucasfilms Kathleen Kennedy reportedly blocked a major Marvel announcement at D23.

For any Marvel fan, it is common knowledge that there are two dates that are always the most important on any annual calendar.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 23: Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, participates in the Marvel Studios’ Live-Action presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on July 23, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

The first is San Diego Comic-Con, which has long been the home to some of Marvel Studios’ biggest announcements and reveals over the decade-long history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The other is D23, which has truly taken on a greater status in recent years as the massive weekend-long convention in which some of the biggest brands under the Disney umbrella discuss the incredibly exciting things they have in store for fans.

Source: Marvel/ D23

The tradition of both events can’t be understated, as they have become the venues in which attendees are able to be presented with what these studios are working so diligently on, and what fans have to look forward to in the coming years.

This D23 saw Kevin Feige reveal some incredible updates, but it appears that there was supposed to be yet another unveiling that didn’t happen, as Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy reportedly blocked one major Marvel announcement.

Source: Deadline

According to a report by ComicBook.com, Marvel was set to announce that Harrison Ford was going to be joining the cast of Thunderbolts in the role of a recast Ross, but it was Kennedy who “Put her foot down,” and advised Disney against the reveal.

The reasoning was said to be Kennedy wanting Disney to keep the focus of the event on Ford’s return for Indiana Jones 5, as opposed to revealing him for a Marvel project.

Source: Marvel Studios

The report stated that “They actually wanted to announce him as a cast member in Thunderbolts at D23. But they didn’t because Kathy Kennedy put her foot down and said, ‘No, we’re going to keep the focus on Indiana Jones 5.'”

Although it would have been very cool to see Harrison Ford announced alongside the Thunderbolts cast, it does make sense for Disney to save that announcement; Marvel doesn’t necessarily need the boost from that announcement that a struggling Lucasfilm does.