Kathleen Kennedy ran Lucasfilm since 2012 when Disney bought the studio. Getty Images
Kathleen Kennedy is stepping aside as president of Lucasfilm, closing a defining chapter in the modern history of Star Wars. The longtime studio chief will leave her executive role after 14 years, Lucasfilm confirmed on Thursday.
Kennedy, personally chosen by Star Wars creator George Lucas, will remain with the company as a full-time producer. Her departure marks a major leadership shift for one of Hollywood’s most valuable franchises.
The Architect of Star Wars’ Return
Kennedy took charge of Lucasfilm in 2012, the same year Disney acquired the studio. She immediately faced the enormous task of relaunching Star Wars for a new generation.
Under her leadership, the franchise returned to cinemas with The Force Awakens, a box office juggernaut that reignited global enthusiasm. The sequel trilogy, led by Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, shattered U.S. opening records and helped push total theatrical earnings past $5 billion worldwide.
Yet her tenure was not without controversy. Kennedy also oversaw Solo: A Star Wars Story, the franchise’s first theatrical release to lose money.
A New Era of Leadership
Dave Filoni has been named president and chief creative officer, sharing leadership duties with co-president Lynwen Brennan. Filoni is a familiar name to fans, having shaped much of Star Wars television through animated series and Disney+ projects.
He credited Kennedy with guiding the franchise through its “greatest expansion,” particularly beyond the big screen.
From Films to Streaming Success
During Kennedy’s leadership, Star Wars expanded aggressively into streaming. Lucasfilm delivered hit Disney+ series including The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and the critically acclaimed Andor.
These shows broadened the franchise’s tone and storytelling style, attracting new audiences while deepening the universe for longtime fans.
Kennedy also pushed for more female leads and greater on-screen diversity. While widely praised in some quarters, the shift sparked backlash from parts of the fanbase who argued the franchise was becoming politicized.
There was further debate over Lucasfilm’s decision to move away from decades of expanded-universe novels and comics, effectively resetting established lore.
Still Shaping the Galaxy
Despite stepping down, Kennedy is not leaving Star Wars behind. She will continue producing upcoming films, including The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter, which is set to star Ryan Gosling.
Reflecting on her tenure, Kennedy described her time at Lucasfilm as a privilege and signaled enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
With new leadership in place and major projects on the horizon, Star Wars now enters another transition—once again balancing legacy, reinvention, and fan expectations.
