After 14 years as president of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy has announced she will be stepping down from her leadership role to return to producing.
Dave Filoni worked alongside George Lucas to build the animation department on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and helped launch the live-action series with Jon Favreau on “The Mandalorian.” Filoni will step in as President and Chief Creative Officer beside Co-President Lynwen Brennan. The two comprise more than 30 years of executive experience and will bring Lucasfilm into its next storytelling chapter.
Next Chapter for Kennedy and Lucasfilm
Filoni and Brennen released statements of gratitude and excitement over their new roles. Filoni stated: “My love of storytelling was shaped by the films of Kathleen and George Lucas. I never dreamed I would be privileged to learn the craft of filmmaking from both of them. From Rey to Grogu, Kathy has overseen the greatest expansion in Star Wars storytelling onscreen that we have ever seen. I am incredibly grateful to Kath, George, Bog Iger and Alan Bergman for their trust and the opportunity to lead Lucasfilm in this new role, doing a job I truly love. May the Force be with you.”
Brennan said: “Lucasfilm has played such a meaningful part in my life. It’s a community of inspiring storytellers with a rebel spirit like no other, and I am honored to join Dave Filoni in leading us forward. I have been so fortunate to learn from George Lucas, Kathy Kennedy and Alan Bergman and have unwavering faith in Dave’s creative vision for the next chapter in the storied studio’s legacy.”
Filoni became a part of Lucasfilm legacy in 2005 and has been a pivotal element in shaping the creative direction of the “Star Wars” franchise. He worked closely with Lucas and was an instrumental part in establishing the animation studio and expanding the franchise into compelling new territory. Filoni’s contributions include “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels,” and “The Mandalorian.” He has received several Emmy Awards and nominations and is the showrunner for “Ahsoka.”
Brennan joined Lucasfilm in 1999 with Industrial Light & Magic and rising through the ranks to leadership in 2009. In 2015, she was appointed General Manager of Lucasfilm and became President & General Manager of Lucasfilm Business in 2024. According to StarWars.com, Brennan has “guided the company through transformative technological shifts with a clear strategic vision and a commitment to innovation, and her industry leadership has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Visual Effects Society and the honor of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.”
Leadership Legacy Kathleen Kennedy
Kennedy became president of Lucasfilm in 2012 when the studio joined the Disney family. CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger had this to say: “When we acquired Lucasfilm more than a decade ago, we knew we were bringing into the Disney family not only one of the most beloved and enduring storytelling universes ever created, but also a team of extraordinary talent led by a visionary filmmaker – someone who had been handpicked by George Lucas himself, no less. We’re deeply grateful for Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership, her vision, and her stewardship of such an iconic studio and brand.”
Iger went on to say: “Kathleen Kennedy has been a tremendous force in the industry for 50 years, and it’s been our privilege to have her here at Disney leading Lucasfilm for nearly 14 of them. She has steered Star Wars to incredible box office heights and brought a new generation of fans into the fold. We appreciate having her on board to produce our next couple of films, and the studio remains in extraordinary capable hands with Dave Filoni, who’s a brilliant stroyteller, and Lynwen Brennan, an avid innovator and business leader. They are deeply passionate and experienced executives who will continue to drive the studio and Star Wars forward in exciting new directions.”
Kennedy was personally invited to lead Lucasfilm by Lucas upon his retirement and she has guided a new era of stroytelling, according to StarWars.com. Kennedy expanded “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” while leading the studio in bold creative directions with exciting new voices. She oversaw the record-breaking release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” and the live-action “Star Wars” series.
As Kennedy returns to producing, she will continue to broaden her portfolio exploring new collaborations across platforms and genres as she expands on a 50-year career as one of the most accomplished producers in film history. She has produced more than 70 films, won 25 Academy Awards with 120 nominations and billions at the box office. Additionally, Kennedy was honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 2018 and the Producers Guild of America’s Milestone Award in 2022.
Sources:
StarWars.com: Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Studios Announce Leadership Transition
The Hollywood Reporter: Star Wars Shake-Up: Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down as George Lucas Protege Dave Filoni, Exec Lynwen Brennan Take Over Lucasfil
BBC: Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot
Featured Image Courtesy of Walt Disney Television’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
