According to reports from Puck News, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is contemplating stepping down by the end of 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of her current contract. Initially, Kennedy had considered retiring in 2024, but she postponed her final decision. However, a source close to Kennedy, as cited by Variety, dismissed Puck's story as "pure speculation," though The Hollywood Reporter corroborated the news from Puck.
Kathleen Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012, initially serving as co-chair alongside George Lucas. Following Lucas's departure, Kennedy was elevated to the role of president, overseeing the Star Wars franchise. Under her leadership, she has spearheaded the new sequel trilogy, which includes Star Wars Episodes 7-9, and has been instrumental in launching the Star Wars streaming era with successful series such as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and more. While films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens have been monumental successes, others, such as Solo: A Star Wars Story, have encountered financial setbacks and divided fan opinions.
Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show
20 Images
Although not officially confirmed, Kennedy's potential departure raises questions about the future of several announced and rumored projects. These include new films directed by James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover, as well as an untitled Rey movie that has been announced but is still in development. The upcoming slate of Star Wars projects includes The Mandalorian & Grogu and a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg.
Before her tenure at Lucasfilm, Kennedy co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall. Her illustrious career includes producing iconic films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and other 90s classics, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.
