Recent reports suggest that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is eyeing retirement by the end of 2025. According to Puck News, the seasoned film producer, who has been at the helm of Lucasfilm since joining in 2012, plans to step down at the conclusion of her current contract. Initially, Kennedy had considered retiring in 2024 but chose to delay her decision. While a source close to Kennedy told Variety that Puck's report is "pure speculation," The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated Puck's story, adding credibility to the news.
Kennedy was handpicked by George Lucas to co-chair the studio, and after Lucas's departure, she ascended to the role of president. Under her leadership, Lucasfilm has navigated through the production of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, including Episodes 7-9, and spearheaded the franchise's expansion into streaming with successful series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Key, and more. While some projects, such as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," have been blockbuster successes, others, like "Solo: A Star Wars Story," have faced financial challenges at the box office.
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Should Kennedy's departure come to pass, it could impact a range of announced and rumored projects, including new films from directors James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover, as well as an untitled Rey movie that has yet to fully take shape. The upcoming slate of Star Wars projects includes "The Mandalorian & Grogu" and a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg.
Before her tenure at Lucasfilm, Kennedy co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall. Her impressive resume includes producing iconic films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and other 90s classics, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.
