After more than a decade shaping Star Wars in the Disney era, Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as president of Lucasfilm, closing one of the most influential chapters in the franchise’s history. Her departure signals a major leadership transition, with longtime Lucasfilm executives Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan stepping into newly defined roles that will guide both the creative and business future of the iconic studio.
Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit Marks the End of an Era
Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm, effective this week, has been anticipated for some time but still represents a seismic shift for one of Hollywood’s most valuable brands. Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012 as co-chair alongside George Lucas and soon became the sole leader after Disney acquired the company for $4 billion. Over 14 years, she oversaw Star Wars’ transition into the modern blockbuster and streaming era, navigating both record-breaking successes and high-profile controversies.
Kennedy’s Ongoing Role Beyond the Presidency
Although stepping down as president, Kennedy is not leaving Lucasfilm entirely. She will remain on board as a producer for the upcoming theatrical release The Mandalorian and Grogu, set for May 22, as well as Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for release in 2027. Beyond these projects, Kennedy plans to pursue independent producing opportunities outside Lucasfilm.
Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan Take Charge of Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm’s leadership will now be split between creative and business operations, a structure commonly used within Disney. Dave Filoni has been promoted to president and chief creative officer of Lucasfilm, placing him in charge of the franchise’s storytelling direction. Lynwen Brennan, president and general manager of Lucasfilm business, will serve as co-president and oversee the company’s operational and financial strategy. Both executives will report to Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
Dave Filoni’s Rise from Animation to Franchise Architect
Dave Filoni is widely regarded as George Lucas’s protégé, having been mentored directly by the Star Wars creator. He rose to prominence through animation, leading beloved series such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars, before transitioning to live-action television with Jon Favreau on The Mandalorian and later Ahsoka. His deep knowledge of Star Wars lore has earned him strong support among dedicated fans, though his work has sometimes been criticized for being too dense for casual audiences.
Lynwen Brennan’s Longstanding Business Leadership
Lynwen Brennan joined Lucasfilm in 1999 and steadily rose through the ranks. She previously served as president of Industrial Light & Magic before assuming her current role in 2015. Brennan has overseen Lucasfilm’s business operations during its expansion into streaming, visual effects innovation, and global brand management, making her a key figure in stabilizing the franchise’s commercial future.
Kathleen Kennedy’s Blockbuster Successes at the Box Office
Under Kennedy’s leadership, Star Wars returned to theaters in a major way. She recruited J.J. Abrams to direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which grossed over $2 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing film of all time at the domestic box office with $936.6 million. Subsequent releases included Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ($1 billion), The Last Jedi ($1.33 billion), Solo: A Star Wars Story ($392.9 million), and The Rise of Skywalker ($1 billion).
Creative Turbulence and Production Challenges
Kennedy’s tenure was not without turbulence. High-profile production changes included the removal of directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller from Solo, which became the first Star Wars film to lose money theatrically. During Rogue One, director Gareth Edwards was sidelined in favor of Tony Gilroy, a move that ultimately paid off both critically and commercially and later led to the Emmy-winning series Andor.
Star Wars Films Put on Pause After Mixed Reception
Following the mixed reception to The Rise of Skywalker, Disney paused Star Wars theatrical releases. CEO Bob Iger later acknowledged that the franchise had released too many films too quickly. Several announced projects from major filmmakers failed to materialize, including films from Rian Johnson, Taika Waititi, and the Game of Thrones creators. A Daisy Ridley-led Star Wars film announced in 2023 remains in development limbo.
The Mandalorian and the Rise of Star Wars on Disney+
One of Kennedy’s most impactful decisions was bringing Jon Favreau on board to develop The Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars television series. The show became a cultural phenomenon, introduced Grogu to global audiences, and served as a flagship title for Disney+ at launch. While later series received mixed reactions, Andor stood out for its mature political storytelling and concluded with five Emmy wins and 22 nominations. Overall, Star Wars television under Kennedy earned 85 Emmy nominations.
Mixed Reception to Recent Star Wars Series
Not all Disney+ series were universally embraced. The Acolyte faced strong backlash from segments of the fanbase, while later seasons of The Mandalorian and Ahsoka were criticized for relying heavily on deep lore. These reactions highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing hardcore fan expectations with broader audience appeal.
What the New Leadership Means for the Franchise
With Filoni and Brennan stepping into leadership, questions remain about whether Lucasfilm will chart a bold new course or continue many of Kennedy’s established practices. Both executives have spent years within the company, suggesting continuity rather than a radical reset. However, insiders note that Lucasfilm’s development pipeline stalled during the leadership transition, and the new structure could allow projects to move forward more aggressively.
Upcoming Star Wars Films and Future Plans
Lucasfilm currently has two films officially on the release calendar: The Mandalorian and Grogu in May 2026 and Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter in May 2027. A second season of Ahsoka and the animated series Maul: Shadow Lord are also in development, signaling a continued focus on both theatrical and streaming content.
Disney’s Farewell to Kathleen Kennedy
Disney executives publicly praised Kennedy’s legacy as she stepped down. CEO Bob Iger highlighted her role as a visionary leader personally chosen by George Lucas, while Alan Bergman emphasized her five-decade impact on the entertainment industry. Their remarks underscored Kennedy’s lasting influence on Lucasfilm and Disney as a whole.
Balancing Nostalgia and Evolution in the Star Wars Galaxy
The future of Star Wars remains a delicate balancing act between honoring legacy characters and pushing the franchise forward. This tension was recently reflected in Disneyland’s decision to phase out sequel-era characters like Kylo Ren in favor of classic figures such as Darth Vader. As Filoni and Brennan take control, the challenge will be reawakening the Force for longtime fans while ensuring the franchise continues to evolve for new generations.
