Kathleen Kennedy to Retire from Lucasfilm in 2025

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly planning to step down by the end of 2025. According to Puck News, the seasoned film producer and Lucasfilm leader intends to retire upon the conclusion of her current contract this year. Sources indicate that Kennedy had earlier contemplated retirement in 2024 but chose to delay her decision. While Variety quoted a source close to Kennedy dismissing Puck's report as "pure speculation," The Hollywood Reporter verified the claims made by Puck.

Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012 and was appointed as George Lucas' handpicked co-chair to co-manage the studio. Following Lucas' departure, she ascended to the role of president and has been at the helm of the Star Wars franchise ever since.

Upcoming Star Wars Movies and TV Shows

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Her leadership encompasses the oversight of a new sequel trilogy comprising Star Wars Episodes 7-9, along with the inception of Star Wars' streaming era, featuring series such as The Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Key, and others. Although some films, like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, achieved significant box office success, others, such as Solo: A Star Wars Story, faced mixed reception and financial losses.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Kennedy's departure could reignite discussions surrounding various announced and rumored projects, including potential new films from directors James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover. Additionally, an untitled Rey-focused movie, though officially announced, remains in development limbo.

The upcoming lineup of Star Wars projects includes the continuation of The Mandalorian with Grogu and a new trilogy led by Simon Kinberg.

Before joining Lucasfilm, Kennedy co-founded Amblin Entertainment alongside Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall. Her extensive career includes producing iconic films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future. For her contributions, she received eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.