Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down after 14 years. She has led the studio behind the Star Wars franchise, one of the most successful in film history. Kennedy was handpicked by Star Wars creator George Lucas to guide the company. Now, she will focus on producing films while Dave Filoni takes on the role of president and chief creative officer.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, Star Wars experienced significant growth. Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, Kennedy oversaw five major films, which collectively earned over $5 billion globally. These include the sequel trilogy, featuring stars like Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, which shattered box office records.
Kennedy was instrumental in expanding the series, bringing new stories and characters to life through shows like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and the critically acclaimed Andor, all available on Disney+. Her tenure also aimed to introduce more diverse characters and female leads, a move that sparked mixed reactions from fans. Some appreciated the changes, while others felt it strayed from the franchise’s roots.
Despite some backlash regarding the direction of new projects, Kennedy looks forward to continuing her work as a producer on upcoming films, including The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter, featuring Ryan Gosling.
Filoni praised Kennedy for her leadership, noting that she spearheaded what he called the “greatest expansion” of Star Wars storytelling. Kennedy expressed gratitude for her time at Lucasfilm, stating it has been a privilege to work with such talented individuals.
This leadership change comes at a time when the film industry is rapidly evolving, with many entertainment companies shifting their focus to streaming platforms. As streaming continues to grow, previously untapped narratives and character developments are becoming essential for engaging audiences. With Kennedy’s legacy and Filoni’s vision, the future of Star Wars is poised to explore new horizons while honoring its storied past.
For further insight on the evolution of storytelling in modern cinema, you can read more here.
