Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down After 14 Years Leading Lucasfilm

Kathleen Kennedy has stepped down as president of Lucasfilm, ending nearly 14 years leading the Star Wars studio and marking a major shift in leadership at one of Hollywood's most valuable franchises. The move, which took effect this week, brings Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan into co-president roles to jointly oversee the San Francisco-based company owned by Disney.

Kennedy, 72, was handpicked by George Lucas in 2012 to lead Lucasfilm after the legendary filmmaker decided to step back from the company he founded. She took on the role of co-chair alongside Lucas before being elevated to sole president just months later when Disney purchased Lucasfilm for $4 billion and Lucas exited the business.

Background

Kennedy's appointment in 2012 marked a major turning point for the Star Wars franchise. At that time, the series had been dormant for years following the release of the prequel trilogy. Lucas had stepped away from filmmaking, and many wondered what would happen to his most famous creation.

When Disney acquired Lucasfilm, the company immediately began planning a new era of Star Wars films. Kennedy oversaw the development of a sequel trilogy that would continue the Skywalker saga. She also expanded the franchise beyond theatrical releases, greenlighting television series and building Star Wars-themed lands in Disney's theme parks in California and Florida.

Under Kennedy's leadership, Lucasfilm released several major Star Wars films, including The Force Awakens in 2015, which became a massive box office success and grossed over $2 billion worldwide. The studio also produced Rogue One, an Emmy-winning spin-off series, along with other theatrical releases and streaming content.

Key Details

Dave Filoni, who previously served as Lucasfilm's Chief Creative Officer, will become president while retaining his creative responsibilities. Lynwen Brennan, the studio's Business President and General Manager, has been named co-president. Both executives will report to Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman.

Filoni has deep roots at Lucasfilm, having worked closely with George Lucas to build the company's animation department. Brennan brings business expertise to the partnership, creating a leadership structure that divides creative and operational responsibilities between the two executives.

Kennedy will not leave the franchise entirely. She will continue as a producer on Lucasfilm's next two theatrical films: The Mandalorian and Grogu, scheduled for release in May 2026, and Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and set for 2027. This arrangement allows Kennedy to transition back to full-time producing work, a role she held before taking on the presidency.

Kennedy's Statement

"When George Lucas asked me to take over Lucasfilm upon his retirement, I couldn't have imagined what lay ahead. It has been a true privilege to spend more than a decade working alongside the extraordinary talent at Lucasfilm. Their creativity and dedication have been an inspiration, and I'm deeply proud of what we've accomplished together. I'm excited to continue developing films and television with both longtime collaborators and fresh voices who represent the future of storytelling."

Kennedy's departure comes after years of speculation about her future at the studio. While the Star Wars franchise achieved enormous financial success under her leadership, some of the later theatrical films saw diminishing box office returns compared to earlier releases. Solo: A Star Wars Story became the first Star Wars film to lose money at the box office, and subsequent releases did not match the massive numbers generated by The Force Awakens.

What This Means

The leadership change represents a significant moment for one of Hollywood's most valuable properties. With new leadership in place, Lucasfilm will chart a different course for the Star Wars franchise. The appointment of Filoni, known for his work on animated Star Wars content, signals a potential shift in creative direction for the studio's future projects.

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman praised Kennedy's tenure, saying the company was grateful for her leadership and vision. Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, also released a statement acknowledging Kennedy's role in stewarding the iconic brand during her time at Lucasfilm.

Kennedy's career in the entertainment industry spans more than 50 years. Before joining Lucasfilm, she co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall, producing iconic films including Indiana Jones and E.T. Her work on major franchises and blockbuster films established her as one of Hollywood's most accomplished producers.

With Kennedy transitioning back to producing and Filoni and Brennan taking the helm, the Star Wars franchise enters a new chapter. The studio has multiple projects in development, and the new leadership structure will determine how the franchise evolves in coming years. For fans and industry observers, the leadership transition marks an important moment for one of entertainment's most recognizable brands.