Kathleen Kennedy Confirms Lucasfilm Exit—But Tries to Spin It

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The whirlwind continues, as Kathleen Kennedy confirms her departure from Lucasfilm in an extensive, publicity-focused conversation with Deadline.

Instead of stepping down, she refutes rumors by firing back at reports claiming her retirement. However, she does acknowledge that an announcement concerning her replacement will be made within the coming months or toward the end of this year.

In the article from Deadline, they suggest that Kennedy should control her own story regarding her departure from Lucasfilm. However, it seems as though the truth is less important than what Kennedy chooses to present, given her successful career, particularly in relation to Star Wars. This smacks of biased promotion and public relations tactics. Essentially, this is how Hollywood news often operates!

Succession and Future Announcement

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m buzzing with excitement about the latest scoop from Puck News! Their article, titled “Kathleen Kennedy to Step Down at Lucasfilm,” hints at some major shakeups in the Star Wars universe. Though the juicy details are hidden behind a paywall, they do share that after a 13-year tenure marked by both triumphs and setbacks, Kennedy has announced her departure as Lucasfilm president by year’s end. The article also mentions that this decision comes after persistent whispers and subtle nudges from the film community, with three sources confirming the news. Disney and Kennedy’s personal representative, however, have chosen to keep mum on the matter for now. Can’t wait to see what unfolds in the world of Lucasfilm under new leadership!

According to Kennedy, she expresses her thoughts to Deadline, even going as far as reprimanding Puck News for their coverage. (Emphasis in bold added by me)

At Lucasfilm, I’ve been discussing for quite some time now with both Bob and Alan regarding potential succession scenarios. We have a fantastic team here, and we plan to make an announcement about this, either in the coming months or even a year from now. We are all in agreement on what that will entail… carefully considering with Bob and Alan who will be taking over.

She adds in an answer to another question:

We’ll probably make an announcement months or a year out

Based on reports from various trade sources, many of which are controlled by Penske Media (including Deadline, THR, Variety, etc.), it’s anticipated that the announcement will be made in April at Star Wars Celebration Tokyo, a event that is several months away. It is also predicted that Kennedy will resign by the end of this year.

Who is replacing Kathleen Kennedy?

The deadline mentions Dave Filoni’s name, but Kennedy remains tight-lipped about who will take over from her as the president of Lucasfilm.

In simple terms, I’m unable to disclose the identity because within large corporations and public companies, there are internal procedures for making deals, reaching conclusions, and announcing them. This isn’t out of the ordinary; we’re currently going through that process.

Kathleen Kennedy not retiring

Essentially, the remainder of the article is filled with rhetoric meant to mask the recent leak. However, Kennedy has made it clear that she doesn’t intend to step down. Instead, she plans to stay engaged in upcoming Star Wars productions, which are contractually obligated. Furthermore, she will assist her successor, suggesting she will continue in a producer role (though the extent of her involvement is yet to be determined).

To clarify, let me state unequivocally: I’m not retiring. Instead, I’m moving forward. At the moment, I’m working on The Mandalorian film, followed by Shawn Levy’s project. Thus, I am carrying on at Lucasfilm, carefully considering with Bob and Alan who might take over when the time comes. We will make an announcement about this when we deem it appropriate.

She also says:

I fully plan on staying involved to aid that individual in achieving success, as I am currently working on the Mandalorian film, with Shawn Levy’s project following mine.

Decision is hers

Contrary to speculations suggesting her retirement, Deadline emphasizes that she might remain connected with Star Wars projects for another decade. In response to this, Kennedy says:

“Indeed, there’s a possibility I could continue my association with Star Wars ventures for the next ten years.

I don’t know if I’m going to say that, but yeah, it’s possible.

Deadline also flat out asks if she is stepping down this year; Kennedy responds:

We really don’t know at this stage. There’s so much going on, Mike. I don’t know.

Kennedy also says the decision is up to her:

Me. It’s my decision. This is 100 percent my decision.

Change in the guard at Disney

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been closely following the developments at Disney. Although it wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the piece, Bob Iger has announced his departure as CEO in 2026. In an effort to curb criticism and financial losses, Iger has instructed Lucasfilm to scale back Star Wars productions, similar to what Kevin Feige is doing with Marvel. This decision stems from the negative feedback and substantial financial losses Disney has experienced on streaming platforms, with shows like Kennedy’s “The Acolyte” bombing on Disney+ and “Skeleton Crew” failing to make the Nielsen ratings charts.

It’s worth mentioning that with Donald Trump returning as president, it seems Hollywood is reconsidering its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, such as Disney now changing course. Under Kennedy’s DEI approach to Star Wars, she has encountered criticism from longtime fans who feel alienated, and many of these fans have either lost interest or become indifferent towards the brand. Unfortunately, the new audience that Kennedy aimed to attract with her DEI strategy did not materialize.

What’s next for Star Wars?

Two productions, namely “Andor” Season 2 and “Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu,” are scheduled for official release dates. The former will debut on Disney+ on April 22, 2025, while the latter is set to be released a year later, on May 22, 2026. As for “Dave Filoni’s Ahsoka” Season 2, it’s currently in development but does not yet have a confirmed release date. No additional Disney+ shows have been announced as of now.

In other areas, progress continues to be made. Kennedy frequently provides updates on projects she’s announced, such as those in development by Levy, Mangold, and Waititi, but there’s been no recent news about the Rey movies – a situation we’ve been aware of for some time now, and unfortunately, not all the proposed projects have materialized as planned.

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2025-02-28 11:02