Kathleen Kennedy’s Final Words as She Steps Down After 14 Years at Star Wars

Kathleen Kennedy has announced her decision to step down as president of Lucasfilm, expressing that she is "so ready to go" after a 14-year tenure. The 72-year-old, who was chosen by Star Wars creator George Lucas to lead the company, will now focus on producing films full-time.

Kennedy’s leadership at Lucasfilm spanned over a decade, during which she played a pivotal role in the success of the Star Wars franchise. She oversaw the release of several hit films, including The Force Awakens, and contributed to the creation of popular TV series like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Andor for Disney+. However, her time at the studio also included challenges, such as the box office disappointment of Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Transitioning Leadership

Dave Filoni, who previously worked in animation at the studio, will take on the role of president and chief creative officer. He will be working alongside co-president Lynwen Brennan. Kennedy emphasized that she recommended both Filoni and Brennan for their roles, highlighting their expertise and commitment to the company.

Filoni, known for his deep involvement in the Star Wars universe, has been described as "the perfect person to transition" into the new leadership role. Kennedy praised his talent and dedication, stating that he is "very talented" and "immersed" in the world of Star Wars.

Lynwen Brennan, whom Kennedy called "my key financial partner, my business partner running the company," will play a crucial role in managing the financial aspects of Lucasfilm. Kennedy expressed confidence in her abilities and the team’s ability to continue the studio’s legacy.

New Opportunities

In a statement shared on January 15, Kennedy reflected on her time at Lucasfilm, saying it has been "a true privilege to spend more than a decade working alongside the extraordinary talent at Lucasfilm." She expressed excitement about continuing to develop films and television with longtime collaborators and new voices.

Kennedy also mentioned her plans to work with her husband, Frank Marshall, on future films. She noted that Frank has been involved in documentaries and is enjoying his work. Their collaboration could lead to new projects that blend their creative visions.

Looking Ahead

Kennedy’s departure from the presidency marks a significant shift for Lucasfilm. While she will no longer hold the title of president, she will continue to produce upcoming films, including The Mandalorian, Grogu, and Star Wars: Starfighter. Her experience and insight will still be valuable to the studio as it moves forward.

The transition comes after a period of growth and change for Lucasfilm, particularly since Disney acquired the studio in 2012. During her time as president, Kennedy oversaw five Star Wars feature films that collectively earned over $5 billion worldwide. Her leadership helped shape the modern era of the franchise, balancing commercial success with creative innovation.

As the studio prepares for the next chapter under new leadership, the impact of Kennedy’s work will continue to be felt. Her contributions have left a lasting legacy, and her future projects promise to bring new stories and perspectives to audiences around the world.