Kathleen Kennedy, the leader of Lucasfilm, is gearing up for retirement by the end of 2025. This news was shared by Puck recently.
Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012, working alongside Star Wars creator George Lucas. After Disney acquired the company for $4 billion, she took full control and relaunched the beloved franchise.
Under her guidance, the series made a comeback with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. This film earned over $2 billion worldwide, breathing new life into the Star Wars name. Between 2015 and 2019, Disney released a new Star Wars film each year. However, they paused after the mixed reception of The Rise of Skywalker, which didn’t perform nearly as well as its predecessor.
Kennedy’s tenure wasn’t always easy. She faced backlash for firing directors Chris Lord and Phil Miller during the making of Solo: A Star Wars Story. That film ended up losing money, marking a rare flop in the franchise. She also made headlines for shifting the direction of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, replacing Gareth Edwards with Tony Gilroy for reshoots, which helped it become a billion-dollar success.
Plans for new projects have faced challenges too. Rian Johnson’s promised trilogy and a project from Game of Thrones creators have yet to materialize. Additionally, Daisy Ridley’s return to the franchise has been stuck in development for almost two years.
Despite hurdles in cinemas, Star Wars found new success on Disney+. The series began with The Mandalorian, which launched in November 2019 alongside the streaming service. It quickly became a fan favorite and led to several spinoffs, including the praised series Andor, set to return for a second season in April. However, not all new shows have resonated well, raising concerns about over-saturating the brand.
Looking ahead, Lucasfilm has its first new film in years, titled The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, set to premiere on May 22, 2026.
Kennedy’s impressive career also boasts collaborations with directors like Steven Spielberg and her husband, Frank Marshall. She has produced over 70 films, working on classics like Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., and the Indiana Jones series, which saw its latest installment with Dial of Destiny last year.
This announcement comes as anticipation builds for April’s Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, where more about the Star Wars future will likely be revealed.
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