Kennedy’s Legacy at Lucasfilm: A New Era Dawns
On a rainy December day in London, fresh off wrapping Star Wars: Starfighter, Kathleen Kennedy announced a significant transition at Lucasfilm. After nearly 14 years at the helm, she’s handing the reins to longtime lieutenants Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic franchise.
A Transition Years in the Making
Kennedy has been preparing for this shift for a couple of years, eager to return to her first love: producing. She plans to focus on developing a slate of films, including future Star Wars projects, and collaborating once again with Frank Marshall, her husband of nearly 40 years. Their partnership began during the golden age of Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment.
A Storied Career
Before taking on the challenge of leading Lucasfilm in 2012, Kennedy had already left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Her producing credits include classics like Poltergeist, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler’s List, The Sixth Sense, and franchises like Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future. Her films have collectively grossed over $11 billion worldwide.
Lucasfilm Under Kennedy’s Leadership
During her tenure, Lucasfilm produced five feature films continuing the Star Wars saga, generating a global box office of $5.9 billion. Star Wars: The Force Awakens became the highest-grossing film in North American history, earning $936 million domestically and surpassing $2 billion globally. The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker followed, grossing $1.3 billion and $1 billion respectively. Rogue One also exceeded $1 billion, spawning the critically acclaimed Emmy-winning series, Andor. Learn more about Andor’s success.
Navigating Fan Expectations
Leading Lucasfilm came with immense pressure, as every project faced intense scrutiny from a passionate fanbase. Despite the challenges, Kennedy oversaw a significant expansion of the Star Wars universe into television with series like The Mandalorian and Andor, garnering over 90 Emmy nominations. The expansion also included animated series, the immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attractions at Disneyland and Disney World, and the revitalization of Lucasfilm Games.
Looking Ahead
Kennedy discussed the succession plan with Disney’s Bob Iger and Alan Bergman over two years ago. Now, in early 2026, the transition will finally take place. She expressed her excitement about returning to producing and exploring new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), while emphasizing the importance of protecting artists’ rights.
The Future of Storytelling with AI
Kennedy drew parallels between the potential of AI and the groundbreaking visual effects in Jurassic Park, highlighting the excitement of new tools that can expand creative possibilities. She believes AI could revolutionize world-building and visual storytelling, while acknowledging the need for responsible implementation.
A Standalone Story and Beyond
Regarding Starfighter, Kennedy clarified that it was envisioned as a standalone film, praising director Shawn Levy and the discovery of young actor Flynn Gray. She also mentioned ongoing development of a Mandalorian movie with Jon Favreau and several other projects in various stages of development, including scripts from Rian Johnson, James Mangold, Simon Kinberg, Taika Waititi, Donald Glover, Steve Soderbergh, and Scott Burns.
Embracing Boldness and Collaboration
Kennedy emphasized the importance of taking risks and fostering collaboration, recalling Bob Iger’s advice to “be bold.” She expressed her desire to support the new leadership team and encourage them to make their own decisions, while remaining open to producing projects that align with her vision. She also reflected on the enduring power of Star Wars and the importance of preserving the values George Lucas instilled in the franchise.
As Kennedy embarks on her next chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of innovation, expansion, and a commitment to storytelling that has captivated audiences worldwide.
