Kathleen Kennedy to Retire from Lucasfilm by 2025
Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, is reportedly planning to retire by the end of 2025, according to multiple sources. Kennedy, who joined Lucasfilm in 2012 as co-chair alongside George Lucas, took over as president after Disney acquired the company for $4 billion. Her tenure has been marked by both significant successes and notable challenges.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, the Star Wars franchise saw a revival with the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, which grossed over $2 billion globally and reinvigorated the brand. However, the subsequent films in the sequel trilogy, including The Rise of Skywalker, faced mixed reviews and diminishing box office returns. Additionally, Solo: A Star Wars Story became the first Star Wars film to lose money at the box office, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) was a financial disappointment.
Despite these setbacks, Kennedy oversaw the expansion of the Star Wars universe on Disney+, with shows like The Mandalorian and Andor receiving critical acclaim. However, other series, such as The Book of Boba Fett, struggled to capture the same level of success. The future of Star Wars on the big screen remains uncertain, with projects from directors like James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Patty Jenkins either delayed or shelved. The next major theatrical release, The Mandalorian & Grogu, is slated for 2026.
Kennedy’s legacy at Lucasfilm is a mixed one, reflecting both the highs of revitalizing a beloved franchise and the challenges of maintaining its cultural and commercial relevance. Her potential departure raises questions about the future direction of Star Wars and whether new leadership can restore the franchise to its former glory.
Kathleen Kennedy Reportedly Leaving Lucasfilm But Can New Leadership Save ‘Star Wars’?
Could a change in leadership save Star Wars or is it too late?
www.forbes.com
Lucasfilm Boss Kathleen Kennedy Expected to Retire This Year
The prolific producer has presided over the 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises through ups and downs since 2012.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
‘Star Wars’ Boss Kathleen Kennedy Planning to Exit Lucasfilm at the End of 2025
Kathleen Kennedy, the longtime president of Lucasfilm, is expected to step down at the end of 2025.
variety.com
If the Kathleen Kennedy Era at Lucasfilm Is Ending, Its Legacy Is Unfulfilled Promises and Unfair Expectations
Kathleen Kennedy heading Lucasfilm wasn't fair to her, or to directors. Now as she's reported to be retiring, it's worth taking stock of her tenure.
www.indiewire.com
Kathleen Kennedy was supposed to save Star Wars – instead she ruined it
So-so TV shows, a bungled trilogy, countless films stuck in limbo… The outgoing head of Lucasfilm has turned Star Wars into a spent force
www.telegraph.co.uk
As Much As I Love Sakura, Naruto Did the Ninja Dirty Despite Its Best Efforts
Sakura deserved so much better.
screenrant.com
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy May Be Retiring Later This Year
The Star Wars producer also helped bring E.T., Jurassic Park, Back to the Future. and Indiana Jones to life across her career.
gizmodo.com