Kathleen Kennedy to Retire from Lucasfilm in 2025

Recent reports suggest that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy may be planning to step down by the end of 2025. According to Puck News, the veteran film producer and current head of Lucasfilm intends to retire at the conclusion of her contract this year. It's noted that Kennedy had considered retiring in 2024 but chose to delay her decision. While Variety has cited a source close to Kennedy dismissing these reports as "pure speculation," The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated Puck's story.

Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012, initially serving as co-chair alongside George Lucas, who personally selected her for the role. Following Lucas's departure, she was promoted to president and has been at the helm of the Star Wars franchise ever since. Her tenure has been marked by the launch of a new sequel trilogy, including Star Wars Episodes 7-9, and the initiation of Star Wars' streaming era, featuring hits like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Key. 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.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

20 Images

If Kennedy's departure comes to fruition, it could impact a range of announced and rumored projects, including new films directed by James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover. There is also an untitled Rey movie that has been announced but is still in the process of coming to life. 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 portfolio includes producing classics such as E.T., Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future, which earned her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture. Her potential departure from Lucasfilm marks the end of an era for the studio and raises questions about the future direction of the Star Wars franchise.