Star Wars head steps down following leadership of the franchise reboot as longtime Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy prepares to exit her role after 14 years guiding one of Hollywood’s most valuable and influential studios.
Lucasfilm confirmed on Thursday that Kennedy, who was personally chosen by George Lucas to lead the company, will transition into a full-time producing role. Her departure closes a defining era for the Star Wars universe, which she helped relaunch for a new generation of audiences.
Kennedy is widely credited with spearheading the modern revival of Star Wars, beginning with The Force Awakens, a global box-office sensation. Under her leadership, the franchise released five feature films that together generated more than $5 billion worldwide. The sequel trilogy, led by Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, shattered records in the U.S. market and reestablished Star Wars as a dominant cinematic force.
However, her tenure was not without controversy. While Kennedy oversaw major successes, she also backed Solo: A Star Wars Story, which became the franchise’s first theatrical box-office disappointment. Creative decisions during this period sparked debate among fans, particularly around changes to long-established storylines and the decision to move away from decades of expanded-universe novels and comics.
Beyond the big screen, Kennedy played a crucial role in expanding Star Wars on television. Under her watch, Lucasfilm delivered hit series such as The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and the critically praised Andor for the Disney+ streaming service. She also pushed for greater on-screen diversity, introducing more female leads and characters from varied backgrounds—an approach praised by some and criticized by others.
Taking over the reins is Dave Filoni, who has been deeply involved in shaping Star Wars storytelling through animated series and live-action projects. Filoni will serve as president and chief creative officer, working alongside co-president Lynwen Brennan. He publicly acknowledged Kennedy’s impact, crediting her with overseeing the “greatest expansion” of Star Wars narratives across film and television.
Kennedy has led Lucasfilm since 2012, following its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company, which also owns the Indiana Jones franchise. Even after stepping down as president, she will remain actively involved in upcoming projects, including The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling.
Reflecting on her time at the studio, Kennedy called the experience a privilege and said she is eager to continue developing films and television projects alongside both longtime collaborators and emerging creative voices.
As Lucasfilm enters a new leadership phase, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how Filoni builds on Kennedy’s legacy—and where the Star Wars galaxy travels next.
