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Kathleen Kennedy to Step Down as Lucasfilm President: A New Era for Star Wars

B MOKSHAGNA REDDY's profile image
3 min read
Kathleen Kennedy

Image credits: Jesse Grant/Getty Images

Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, has informed Disney and her associates that she will be stepping down from her position by the end of 2025, according to recent reports. This decision comes after years of speculation and rumors surrounding her potential departure. Kennedy, who will be 72 in June, has been at the helm of Lucasfilm for 13 years, serving as the handpicked steward of George Lucas under Disney. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in rejuvenating the Star Wars franchise, launching a new trilogy and several spin-off films, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Despite the success of the Star Wars franchise under Kennedy's leadership, the company has faced challenges in recent years, including diminishing returns at the box office and mixed reviews from critics. However, the franchise has found new life on the Disney+ streaming platform, with the launch of The Mandalorian and other live-action shows. Kennedy's decision to step down marks a new era for the Star Wars franchise and Disney's plans for the future. The company has already announced several upcoming projects, including a new feature film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and a second season of the critically acclaimed show Andor.

Kennedy's career in the film industry spans over four decades, with collaborations with renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg and her husband, Frank Marshall. She has produced or executive produced over 70 films, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and the Back to the Future trilogy. Kennedy has been nominated for eight Oscars and has won numerous awards for her work in the film industry. Her legacy at Lucasfilm will be remembered for her contributions to the Star Wars franchise and her efforts to bring the company into a new era of storytelling and innovation.

Some of the notable projects released under Kennedy's leadership at Lucasfilm include:

  • Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
  • Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
  • Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
  • Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
  • The Mandalorian (2019)
  • The Book of Boba Fett (2022)
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
  • Ahsoka (2023)
These projects have helped to shape the Star Wars franchise and have introduced new characters and storylines to the universe. As Kennedy prepares to step down, fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting the announcement of her successor and the future plans for the franchise.

The news of Kennedy's retirement comes ahead of the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, where the future of the Star Wars franchise is expected to be unveiled. The event will likely provide more insight into the company's plans for upcoming projects and the direction of the franchise under new leadership. As the Star Wars franchise continues to evolve and expand, one thing is certain - Kathleen Kennedy's legacy will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of the company and the film industry as a whole.

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kathleen kennedy war lucasfilm star era film oscar nomination franchise

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