After leading Lucasfilm for over 13 years, Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her position at the iconic Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas. The Walt Disney Co. has announced that Dave Filoni will now take the helm as the president and chief creative officer of Star Wars, guiding it into the future. Filoni, previously the chief commercial officer at Lucasfilm, will lead the franchise alongside Lynwen Brennan, who will serve as co-president.
Reflecting on her tenure, Kennedy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the talented team at Lucasfilm and the privilege of overseeing the expansion of the Star Wars universe. She was commended by Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Co., for her vision and leadership in navigating the sci-fi world of Star Wars since Disney’s acquisition in 2012.
During Kennedy’s tenure, Lucasfilm achieved significant box office success, amassing over $5.6 billion US and playing a pivotal role in establishing Disney+ as a premier streaming platform. However, while she oversaw the production of blockbuster trilogies and acclaimed spinoffs like The Mandalorian and Andor, there was growing discontent among some longtime Star Wars fans.
Filoni, known for his work on animated series like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian, has been praised for his contributions to the franchise. Both Filoni and Kennedy will report to Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment co-chairman, as they continue to shape the future of Star Wars storytelling.
Before her role at Lucasfilm, Kennedy enjoyed success as a producer, co-founding Amblin Entertainment and producing iconic films like E.T. and Jurassic Park. Her tenure at Lucasfilm was marked by hits like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but subsequent films faced mixed reception from fans and critics.
As Star Wars prepares for new ventures under Filoni’s leadership, including upcoming projects like Star Wars: Starfighter, Kennedy’s legacy will endure in the franchise’s ongoing storytelling. The transition marks a new chapter for Star Wars, with Filoni poised to guide its creative direction into the next era.
