After more than a decade shaping one of Hollywood’s most valuable franchises, Kathleen Kennedy, the longtime guiding force behind Star Wars, is stepping down from her leadership role at Lucasfilm. Her exit closes a defining chapter in the studio’s modern history and signals a shift in creative direction for the galaxy far, far away.
A Long Tenure Comes to an End
Kathleen Kennedy spent over 13 years leading Lucasfilm, the company founded by George Lucas. During that time, she oversaw the franchise’s transition following its 2012 acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. Reflecting on her journey, Kennedy described the role as a privilege she never could have fully anticipated when Lucas personally selected her as his successor.
Disney CEO Bob Iger praised Kennedy as a “visionary filmmaker,” crediting her with guiding Star Wars through an era of unprecedented expansion across film and television.
New Leadership for a Legendary Franchise
Disney announced that Dave Filoni will now take the creative reins as president and chief creative officer. Known primarily for his work in television and animation, Filoni will lead Star Wars into its sixth decade alongside Lynwen Brennan, who will serve as co-president overseeing business operations. Both executives will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Filoni, a longtime collaborator of Lucas, built his reputation with animated storytelling before becoming a key figure in Disney+ series. His credits include Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Mandalorian, Andor, and more recently Ahsoka. In a statement, Filoni thanked Kennedy and Lucas for their trust, saying he was honored to help shape the future of the saga.
Achievements and Growing Pains
Under Kennedy’s stewardship, Lucasfilm generated more than $5.6 billion at the global box office and helped turn Disney+ into a major streaming destination. The sequel trilogy launched with the massive success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but later installments sparked intense debate among fans. The Last Jedi divided audiences, while The Rise of Skywalker faced widespread criticism.
Despite these challenges, Kennedy also presided over streaming triumphs, most notably The Mandalorian, which introduced Grogu and revitalized enthusiasm for Star Wars storytelling on the small screen.
Turbulence Behind the Scenes
Kennedy’s era was not without production turmoil. The spinoff Solo: A Star Wars Story famously changed directors midstream, and several announced films never reached theaters. Even so, many fans and critics agree that Rogue One stands out as a creative high point—successfully expanding the universe while respecting its original tone.
Looking Ahead
Although Kennedy is stepping away from day-to-day leadership, her influence will continue to shape upcoming projects already in development, including Shawn Levy’s “Star Wars: Starfighter,” slated for release in 2027. Meanwhile, the franchise is set to return to theaters this May with “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” signaling a renewed push toward the big screen.
