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Kathleen Kennedy to Step Down as Lucasfilm Prez—What’s Next for Star Wars?

After more than a decade leading Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy prepares to exit—what’s next for the galaxy far, far away?

kathleen kennedy star wars
Getty Images

After over a decade at the helm of one of the most storied franchises in Hollywood, Kathleen Kennedy is preparing to pass the torch. The longtime Lucasfilm president has announced her plans to retire by the end of 2025, marking the end of an era that saw the return of Star Wars to the big screen, the launch of multiple Disney+ series, and the studio’s expansion into new storytelling frontiers.

Kathleen Kennedy finally steps down at Lucasfilm

Kathleen Kennedy Star Wars
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Kennedy, who took the reins of Lucasfilm in 2012 after George Lucas sold the company to Disney, played a pivotal role in reviving the Star Wars universe for a new generation. Under her leadership, the franchise was reinvigorated with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which shattered box office records in 2015 and reintroduced fans to beloved characters like Han Solo and Leia Organa while ushering in a fresh slate of heroes and villains. She also oversaw the production of the sequel trilogy, standalone films like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Solo: A Star Wars Story, and the expansion of the galaxy far, far away into live-action television with hits like The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka.

While Kennedy’s tenure has been met with both critical and fan acclaim, it has also seen its share of turbulence. The sequel trilogy’s divisive reception sparked passionate debate among fans, and various high-profile directorial shake-ups—including the departures of Phil Lord and Chris Miller from Solo and Colin Trevorrow from Episode IX—made headlines. Despite the ups and downs, her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most influential producers remains undeniable, with credits spanning classics like Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Indiana Jones.

the force awakens star wars
Lucasfilm

As of now, no official successor has been named to lead Lucasfilm after Kennedy’s departure, leaving the future of the studio—and Star Wars—in flux. With new projects like The Acolyte, Skeleton Crew, and an upcoming slate of feature films in development, the next chapter of the franchise remains a burning question for fans. Will Disney look to a fresh face to chart the course of Star Wars, or could a familiar name like Jon Favreau or Dave Filoni step up to the role?

One thing is certain: Kathleen Kennedy’s impact on Lucasfilm and Star Wars will be felt long after the credits roll on her presidency.

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