A New Era Begins: Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down from Lucasfilm After 14 Years of Star Wars Evolution

Kathleen Kennedy, a significant figure in Hollywood and the president of Lucasfilm, is stepping down after an influential 14-year tenure steering one of the world’s most beloved franchises, Star Wars. Picked by the franchise’s creator, George Lucas, Kennedy spearheaded a major reboot that revitalized the series, grossing over $5 billion worldwide through multiple blockbuster films, including The Force Awakens.

Although her leadership brought about major successes, including the expansion of Star Wars into new storytelling mediums such as Disney+ series like The Mandalorian and critically acclaimed shows like Andor, it was not without challenges. Kennedy’s tenure was marked by the controversial box office failure of Solo: A Star Wars Story and backlash from fans regarding changes in character diversity and continuity issues with the established lore.

In her departure, Kennedy transitions to a full-time producing role, allowing her to focus on developing upcoming projects, including new films featuring popular characters from the series. Dave Filoni, known for his work on animated shows, will replace her as president and chief creative officer, partnering with Lynwen Brennan. Filoni recently praised Kennedy for her contributions, citing her role in achieving the greatest expansion in Star Wars storytelling.

Kennedy expressed gratitude for her time at Lucasfilm, highlighting her excitement to continue shaping the future of the franchise with both experienced and new talent. This leadership change marks a pivotal point in the ongoing saga of Star Wars, promising fresh narratives and perspectives as the franchise moves into its next chapter.