Kathleen Kennedy, the esteemed president of Lucasfilm, is reportedly set to step down 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, is planning to retire at the conclusion of her current contract. It was also noted that Kennedy had contemplated retirement in 2024 but chose to delay her decision. Despite a source close to Kennedy dismissing Puck's report as "pure speculation" in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated the story, lending credence to the speculation.
Kennedy was initially brought on as a co-chair alongside George Lucas, but after his departure, she ascended to the position of president. Her leadership has seen the expansion of the Star Wars franchise through a new sequel trilogy (Episodes 7-9) and the launch of the streaming era with series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Key, among others. While films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens have been blockbuster successes, others, like Solo: A Star Wars Story, have faced financial challenges and mixed reception.
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Kennedy's potential exit raises questions about the future of several announced and rumored Star Wars projects, including new films directed by James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover, as well as an untitled Rey movie that has yet to fully materialize. 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 illustrious career includes producing iconic films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.
