Kathleen Kennedy, the dynamic president of Lucasfilm, is reported to step down from her role at the end of 2025, marking the end of over 13 years shepherding the Star Wars franchise. According to multiple sources, including prominent industry newsletter Puck, the 72-year-old has informed Disney and close associates of her intention to retire. While Kennedy has not made any public announcements yet, her departure has been long speculated upon, especially as she has hinted at stepping away before.
Taking the helm of Lucasfilm shortly after Disney's $4 billion acquisition of the company, Kennedy has had significant influence over the Star Wars legacy, beginning with the critically acclaimed 2015 film, The Force Awakens, which reignited the franchise and grossed over $2 billion globally. Yet her tenure has also been marred by controversies, with some fans expressing disappointment over various creative decisions, particularly concerning the sequel trilogy, which grossed $4.4 billion but attracted criticism for its narrative direction.
Under her leadership, the franchise has expanded significantly, with annual film releases initially planned until the 2019 release of The Rise of Skywalker, which performed poorly relative to its predecessors. The period following the sequel trilogy's conclusion has seen Lucasfilm recalibrate its approach, focusing more on streaming content, culminating in hits like The Mandalorian, which has been credited with reinvigoratings fans’ interest and introducing new characters and stories to the lore.
Despite some successes, Kennedy’s era has not been without challenges. The production of Solo: A Star Wars Story was fraught with behind-the-scenes drama, leading to the firing of its directors, Chris Miller and Phil Lord, resulting in the film being the first Star Wars feature to lose money at the box office. Such hurdles have raised questions about Kennedy's decision-making and the overarching structure of Lucasfilm's production strategy.
Reports suggest her departure aligns with Lucasfilm’s need to refresh and revitalize its cinematic offerings as the franchise gears up for the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu film on May 22, 2026. This film, which will serve as the franchise's long-awaited big-screen return, can potentially benefit from new leadership guiding its direction. Names like Dave Filoni, known for his integral role within the Star Wars universe, have surfaced as potential successors. His previous work on The Mandalorian and various animated series has garnered him both fan support and industry respect, but he faces questions over his filmmaking experience.
While Kennedy's leadership has brought about both triumphs and setbacks, her decision to step down is positioned as an opportunity for Lucasfilm to redefine itself. Industry observers and fans alike are left to ponder the future narrative arcs, strategies, and innovations under new guidance. Will the upcoming director carry the same vision forward, or will they take bold, new risks?
Kennedy's decision to remain one additional year beyond her originally planned departure might indicate her commitment to ensuring projects, such as Andor, which is returning for its second season, are completed and to leave her successor with the strongest possible foundation.
Star Wars has always been marked by its passionate fans, and Kennedy's legacy is likely to be both celebrated and contentious, epitomizing the divisive experiences of bringing beloved stories to life. Despite criticisms, she has undeniably played a pivotal role in the franchise's evolution, pushing boundaries with new cinematic and streaming ventures.
Looking forward, the upcoming Star Wars Celebration event set for April 2023 is expected to spotlight what lies beyond Kennedy’s leadership. The confluence of her departure and the impending relaunch of Star Wars presents both uncertainty and excitement for what may emerge next within the galaxy far, far away.