Kathleen Kennedy Addresses Lucasfilm Exit Rumors and Star Wars’ Future

Rumors have been swirling about Kathleen Kennedy stepping down as president of Lucasfilm, but according to Kennedy herself, those reports couldn’t be further from the truth. In a recent interview, she firmly dismissed the speculation, stating that she has no plans to retire anytime soon and remains deeply committed to the Star Wars franchise (Deadline).

Kennedy’s Statement: No Plans to Step Down

Kennedy clarified that while succession planning is a normal part of any large company’s future considerations, she is still actively involved in shaping the future of Star Wars and other Lucasfilm projects. “I am not retiring. I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies,” she stated emphatically, reinforcing her dedication to storytelling and film production.

She also mentioned that she is in ongoing discussions with Disney executives Bob Iger and Alan Bergman about ensuring a smooth future for Lucasfilm. However, she emphasized that these conversations are routine and should not be misinterpreted as an imminent departure.

Who Could Succeed Kennedy?

Despite Kennedy’s firm denial of an exit, speculation continues over who could potentially take the reins when the time does come. One of the most frequently mentioned names is Dave Filoni, the creative force behind The Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Mandalorian. His deep understanding of Star Wars lore and storytelling has made him a fan favorite for a leadership role at Lucasfilm.

However, Kennedy made it clear that no decisions regarding her successor have been made and that, for now, she remains fully in charge.

Lucasfilm’s Future and Upcoming Star Wars Projects

With Kennedy still at the helm, Star Wars is set to continue expanding in both film and television. Several major projects are currently in development, including:

• A new feature film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy starring Daisy Ridley as Rey, exploring the future of the Jedi Order.
• Dave Filoni’s upcoming MandoVerse film, which aims to tie together the various Disney+ series, including The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett.
• James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi project, set thousands of years before the Skywalker saga, promising a fresh exploration of Star Wars history.

These projects highlight Kennedy’s ongoing influence over the franchise and her vision for expanding Star Wars into new storytelling avenues.

Conclusion: Kennedy’s Commitment Remains Strong

For now, Kathleen Kennedy isn’t going anywhere. While discussions about the future of Lucasfilm are inevitable, she has reaffirmed her leadership and dedication to the Star Wars universe. As speculation continues, one thing remains certain: Kennedy is still very much at the helm, shaping the future of a galaxy far, far away.