Walt Disney announced a major leadership change at Lucasfilm on Thursday. Kathleen Kennedy will step down from her role as president of the iconic "Star Wars" movie studio this week. She will now focus entirely on producing films for the franchise.
A New Era for Star Wars
Disney has appointed Dave Filoni as the new president and chief creative officer of Lucasfilm. Filoni, who is 51 years old, will work closely with co-president Lynwen Brennan. Brennan manages the studio's day-to-day business operations.
Filoni is a well-known figure in the "Star Wars" universe. He co-created the highly successful streaming TV series "The Mandalorian." He also served as a protégé to George Lucas, the original creator of "Star Wars."
Kennedy's Legacy at Lucasfilm
Kathleen Kennedy, aged 72, has led Lucasfilm since Disney acquired the company in 2012. During her tenure, she oversaw the production of three blockbuster sequels to the original "Star Wars" trilogy. She also managed the successful spinoff film "Rogue One."
"It has been a true privilege to spend more than a decade working alongside the extraordinary talent at Lucasfilm," Kennedy said in an official statement.
However, not every project under her leadership met expectations. The 2018 film "Solo" performed poorly at the box office. This movie introduced a new actor playing the smuggler character originally made famous by Harrison Ford.
Strategic Shifts and New Directions
Disney decided to pause the production of new "Star Wars" movies in 2019. The company shifted its focus to live-action television series instead. This strategic move led to the creation of popular shows like "The Mandalorian," starring Pedro Pascal and featuring the beloved character Baby Yoda.
Several planned "Star Wars" films from directors Patty Jenkins and Rian Johnson were canceled. Kennedy worked actively to reset the overall film strategy during this period.
Meanwhile, Dave Filoni built a strong reputation through his work on multiple acclaimed TV series. He oversaw productions like "The Mandalorian" and "Ahsoka," which received widespread praise from fans and critics alike.
The Lucas Connection
Both Kennedy and Filoni have direct connections to George Lucas. Lucas personally selected Kennedy as his successor to lead Lucasfilm. He hired Filoni back in 2005 to help establish a dedicated "Star Wars" animation studio.
The "Star Wars" franchise first debuted in 1977. It tells the story of rebels fighting in a distant galaxy. According to Comscore, the franchise has generated more than $10.3 billion in global box office revenue.
The five films produced under Kennedy's leadership collectively earned $5.9 billion. The most successful among them was 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." This film surpassed $2 billion in worldwide ticket sales.
Expanding the Universe
Lucasfilm expanded significantly under Kennedy's guidance. The studio began producing live-action streaming TV series. "The Mandalorian" premiered in 2019 alongside the launch of Disney's streaming service. Other notable series included "Ahsoka" and "Andor."
The company also developed immersive "Star Wars"-themed lands at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. These attractions allow fans to experience the galaxy far, far away in person.
Filoni played a crucial role in creating the animated TV series "The Clone Wars." He is often seen at Hollywood premieres and fan events wearing his signature cowboy hat.
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
"The Mandalorian" will make its way to the big screen in May. The film, titled "The Mandalorian and Grogu," is co-written by Dave Filoni. Another movie, "Star Wars: Starfighter," featuring actor Ryan Gosling, is scheduled for release in May 2027.
Kathleen Kennedy will continue to work as a producer on these upcoming films. Additionally, Daisy Ridley, the star of the sequel trilogy that began in 2015, has confirmed her return to a new "Star Wars" project.
This leadership transition marks a significant moment for Lucasfilm and the beloved "Star Wars" franchise. Fans around the world will be watching closely as Dave Filoni takes the helm and Kathleen Kennedy begins her new chapter as a full-time producer.
