After leading Lucasfilm for over 13 years, Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her role in the iconic Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas. The Walt Disney Co. has announced that Dave Filoni will now take the helm as president and chief creative officer, guiding Star Wars into its next era.
Filoni, who previously held the position of chief commercial officer at Lucasfilm, will now lead the franchise alongside Lynwen Brennan, the president and general manager of Lucasfilm’s businesses, who will serve as co-president.
In a statement, Kennedy expressed gratitude for her time at Lucasfilm, mentioning the privilege of working with the exceptional talent there. Kennedy, chosen by Lucas as his successor, oversaw the growth of the Star Wars universe since Disney’s acquisition in 2012.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, the Star Wars franchise saw significant financial success, generating over $5.6 billion at the box office and contributing to the establishment of Disney+ as a prominent streaming platform. However, Kennedy faced challenges in recreating the magic of the original Star Wars trilogy, leading to mixed reactions from fans.
Filoni, known for his work on animated series like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Lucasfilm in this new role. Both Filoni and Brennan will report to Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment co-chairman.
Before her tenure at Lucasfilm, Kennedy was a successful Hollywood producer, co-founding Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg. Her notable productions include E.T., Jurassic Park, and the Indiana Jones series.
Kennedy’s most successful film at Lucasfilm was Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, which grossed over $2 billion worldwide. However, subsequent films like The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker faced mixed reviews from fans and critics.
Despite challenges, Kennedy’s legacy includes overseeing successful projects like Rogue One, which managed to resonate with both fans and critics, showcasing her impact on the Star Wars franchise. Future Star Wars projects, including Star Wars: Starfighter with Ryan Gosling, are set to continue Kennedy’s influence for years to come.