Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly planning to step down by the end of 2025. According to Puck News, the veteran film producer intends to retire at the end of her current contract. Puck also reports that Kennedy considered retiring in 2024 but ultimately decided to postpone her decision. While a source close to Kennedy reportedly dismissed Puck's report as "pure speculation" to Variety, The Hollywood Reporter corroborated the story.
Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012, initially serving as co-chair alongside George Lucas. Following Lucas's departure, she was promoted to president, overseeing the Star Wars franchise's subsequent development.
Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show
20 Images
Her tenure has encompassed the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX) and the launch of Star Wars' streaming content, including The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Key. While some projects, such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, achieved blockbuster success, others, like Solo: A Star Wars Story, faced less favorable box office results.
Kennedy's potential departure raises questions about the future of several announced and rumored Star Wars projects, including films from James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover, as well as the previously announced, but currently delayed, Rey film.
Upcoming Star Wars projects include The Mandalorian & Grogu and a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg.
Before joining Lucasfilm, Kennedy co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall, producing numerous iconic films including E.T., Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future. Her work has garnered eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.