According to reports from Puck News, Kathleen Kennedy, the esteemed president of Lucasfilm, is considering stepping down by the end of 2025. Kennedy, a seasoned film producer, is said to be eyeing retirement at the conclusion of her current contract. Puck News also mentioned that she had contemplated retiring in 2024 but chose to delay her decision. However, Variety has cited a source close to Kennedy dismissing these claims as "pure speculation." Contrarily, The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated Puck's story, adding credibility to the rumors.
Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012 as a co-chair handpicked by George Lucas to lead the studio. After Lucas's departure, she was promoted to president, steering the Star Wars franchise ever since. Under her leadership, Lucasfilm embarked on a new sequel trilogy, encompassing Star Wars Episodes 7-9, and ventured into the streaming arena with successful series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Key, and others. While some films, such as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," have been monumental successes, others, including "Solo: A Star Wars Story," have stirred controversy and financial losses at the box office.
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Should Kennedy's departure come to fruition, it could cast uncertainty over several announced and speculated projects, including new films from directors like James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover. There's also an untitled Rey movie that has been announced but is progressing slowly. The upcoming lineup 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 portfolio includes producing legendary films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and other 90s classics, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.
