- Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly stepping down at the end of 2025, following more than a decade leading the “Star Wars” franchise. Sources close to Kennedy told Puck that the 71-year-old producer informed Disney of her plans to retire, though other sources dispute the claim.
- Under Kennedy’s leadership, Lucasfilm expanded the “Star Wars” franchise and revived the “Indiana Jones” series.
- Despite box office success, fan opinions on Kennedy’s tenure have been divided.
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Big changes could be coming to a galaxy far, far away. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly stepping down at the end of 2025, following more than a decade leading the “Star Wars” franchise.
According to three sources close to Kennedy who spoke with Puck News, the 71-year-old producer informed Disney that she plans to retire, though other sources have disputed the claim. Kennedy, who has not publicly commented on the rumors, took over as president of Lucasfilm in 2012 after Disney acquired the studio.
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George Lucas, the studio’s founder, handpicked Kennedy as his successor, citing her storytelling expertise and extensive experience as a producer. Her previous work includes films like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Jurassic Park.”
Expanding the ‘Star Wars’ franchise
Under Kennedy’s leadership, Lucasfilm expanded the “Star Wars” franchise, producing the sequel trilogy: “The Force Awakens,” “The Last Jedi,” and “The Rise of Skywalker.”
Standalone films like “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and TV series like “The Mandalorian” also became part of the franchise’s growing universe.
In addition to “Star Wars,” Lucasfilm revived the “Indiana Jones” franchise in 2023 with “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
Box office success with mixed reactions
Since Kennedy’s takeover, Lucasfilm has seen box office success, although audience and critic reception has varied.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” became the highest-grossing “Star Wars” film, followed by “The Last Jedi.” However, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” underperformed, leading Disney to pause spin-off films.
Despite the box office wins, fan opinions on Kennedy’s tenure have been divided. Some praise her for expanding the franchise, while others have criticized her creative decisions.
Unconfirmed reports of Kennedy stepping down
While Puck News first reported that Kennedy plans to step down, Variety reports that another source close to Kennedy has dismissed the claims as speculation. Neither Kennedy nor her team has publicly responded to the reports.
