Is this the end of an era? Kathleen Kennedy steps down as Star Wars enters a new leadership age
Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy and Lynwen Brennan. Image Credit: Lucasfilm (2); Joel Aron
After 14 years steering Star Wars through its modern revival, Kathleen Kennedy has officially stepped down as president of Lucasfilm, closing one of the most consequential chapters in the franchise’s history. Her departure, effective this week, represents a seismic shift for one of Hollywood’s most valuable and closely watched entertainment brands.
Kennedy’s exit has long been anticipated, but its timing signals the end of an era that saw extraordinary commercial highs, intense fan scrutiny, and a fundamental transformation of Star Wars across film and television under Disney ownership.
How Kathleen Kennedy Reshaped Lucasfilm
When Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012 as co-chair alongside George Lucas, she brought decades of producing experience on landmark films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, and Indiana Jones. Just months later, Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion, and Kennedy became the studio’s sole leader as Lucas stepped away.
One of her earliest and boldest moves was recruiting J.J. Abrams to direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Released in 2015, the film grossed over $2 billion worldwide, reigniting global enthusiasm and becoming the highest-grossing domestic film in U.S. history.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, Lucasfilm released multiple billion-dollar hits, including Rogue One and The Last Jedi, while expanding the franchise beyond theaters and into streaming.
Successes, Setbacks, and Creative Risks
Kennedy’s tenure was not without turbulence. High-profile production shakeups, including the replacement of Solo directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, fueled industry debate. Solo: A Star Wars Story became the franchise’s first theatrical disappointment.
Yet other controversial decisions proved successful. Extensive reshoots on Rogue One led by Tony Gilroy resulted in a critical and commercial success and later birthed Andor, one of the most acclaimed Star Wars series ever, earning multiple Emmys and redefining the franchise’s storytelling potential.
Following mixed reactions to The Rise of Skywalker, Disney paused theatrical Star Wars releases, acknowledging franchise fatigue. That reset would shape Lucasfilm’s future direction.
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The Streaming Revolution That Changed Everything
Perhaps Kennedy’s most enduring legacy is her push into television. Partnering Jon Favreau with Dave Filoni, she launched The Mandalorian in 2019, the first live-action Star Wars series and the flagship show for Disney+.
The series introduced Grogu (“Baby Yoda”) into pop culture and restored Star Wars’ prestige at a moment of uncertainty. Across all its Disney+ series, Star Wars projects under Kennedy earned 85 Emmy nominations, cementing television as a core pillar of the franchise.
What the New Leadership Brings to Star Wars
With Kennedy stepping aside, Dave Filoni has been promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, overseeing storytelling and creative direction. Filoni, mentored by George Lucas himself, is revered for his deep franchise knowledge and success in animation and serialized storytelling.
On the business side, Lynwen Brennan becomes co-president, managing operations and strategy. A Lucasfilm veteran since 1999, Brennan previously led Industrial Light & Magic and brings stability and institutional memory to the transition.
This dual-leadership model mirrors Disney’s approach at Pixar and Walt Disney Animation, separating creative vision from business execution.
What Comes Next for Star Wars
Under Filoni and Brennan, Lucasfilm is expected to accelerate development after a period of relative inactivity during the succession process. Two films are currently slated: “The Mandalorian and Grogu” arriving May 22, and “Star Wars: Starfighter” set for 2027.
Observers note that while the new leadership may bring fresh momentum, it will also inherit Kennedy’s core challenge, balancing nostalgia with evolution in a fandom famously resistant to change.
Kathleen Kennedy’s Lasting Legacy
Kennedy will remain involved as a producer on upcoming Lucasfilm projects before transitioning fully into independent producing. Her impact, however, is permanent.
She reawakened Star Wars for a new generation, expanded it into a multi-platform universe, and proved the franchise could thrive beyond the Skywalker saga. Few executives in Hollywood history have shaped a cultural institution at this scale.
As Disney CEO Bob Iger noted, Kennedy was “handpicked by George Lucas himself”, and her influence will continue to echo across a galaxy far, far away.
FAQ
Why did Kathleen Kennedy step down from Lucasfilm?
Kennedy’s departure follows a long-planned transition after 14 years leading Lucasfilm through film, streaming, and franchise expansion.
Who replaces Kathleen Kennedy at Lucasfilm?
Dave Filoni now oversees creative direction, while Lynwen Brennan manages business operations as co-president.
Is Kathleen Kennedy completely leaving Star Wars?
No. She will remain a producer on upcoming films before moving on to independent projects.
What did Kathleen Kennedy accomplish at Lucasfilm?
She launched the sequel trilogy, introduced live-action Star Wars TV, oversaw multiple billion-dollar films, and expanded the franchise into streaming dominance.
Will Star Wars change under the new leadership?
Industry insiders expect renewed development momentum, though Filoni and Brennan are seen as extensions of Lucasfilm’s existing creative culture.
