After more than a decade at the helm of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly planning to retire by the end of 2025. While no official announcement has been made by Disney or Lucasfilm, multiple sources suggest that Kennedy has already informed key executives about her decision.
Kennedy, who joined Lucasfilm as President in 2012, has overseen some of the most successful and controversial projects in the Star Wars franchise. With her potential departure aligning with Disney CEO Bob Iger’s planned exit in 2026, this could mark a significant leadership transition for the company.
Kennedy’s Legacy at Lucasfilm
During her 13-year tenure, Kennedy has played a pivotal role in reviving Star Wars, producing:
- The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker).
- Standalone films like Rogue One and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
- Disney+ hits including The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and Andor.
While her leadership has led to massive box office successes, she has also faced criticism from hardcore fans, particularly over the direction of the sequel trilogy.
Why is Kathleen Kennedy Retiring Now?
At 72 years old, Kennedy’s decision to step down coincides with major changes at Disney. Sources suggest that she originally considered leaving in 2024 but stayed an extra year to oversee the transition of new Star Wars projects.
Key Factors Behind Her Departure
- Bob Iger’s Exit in 2026 – With Iger also stepping down, Disney is likely planning a complete leadership overhaul.
- Star Wars’ Uncertain Future – With mixed fan reactions to recent projects, the company may be looking for fresh leadership to guide the franchise forward.
- Personal and Artistic Interests – Kennedy and her husband, Frank Marshall, are deeply involved in art collecting, currently showcasing their collection in New York’s Schoelkopf Gallery.
Who Could Replace Kathleen Kennedy?
While no successor has been named, speculation is growing about who could take over Lucasfilm. Some potential candidates include:
- Dave Filoni – The creative force behind The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Clone Wars, and a favorite among fans.
- Jon Favreau – The filmmaker behind Iron Man and The Mandalorian, with strong ties to Disney.
- Kevin Feige – The Marvel Studios boss, who has previously expressed interest in producing a Star Wars film.
- Deborah Chow – Director of Obi-Wan Kenobi and a rising name in the franchise.
Whoever takes over will have the huge responsibility of shaping the future of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and other Lucasfilm projects.
What’s Next for Lucasfilm?
As Kennedy prepares to exit, Lucasfilm has several major projects in development, including:
- New Star Wars Films – Including Rey’s new Jedi Order movie and a Mandalorian crossover film.
- Andor Season 2 – Expected to be the final season of the critically acclaimed series.
- Indiana Jones Spin-Offs – Though Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was not a major hit, Disney is reportedly exploring streaming projects in the franchise.
A New Chapter for Lucasfilm
Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership has shaped Star Wars for over a decade, and her departure signals a new era for Lucasfilm. Whether fans celebrate or criticize her legacy, there’s no denying she played a major role in modern Star Wars storytelling.
Now, the big question is: Who will take the galaxy far, far away into its next chapter?