Bob Iger Breaks Silence on Kathleen Kennedy Leaving Lucasfilm: “Deeply Grateful”

If you’re looking for the official Disney tone on Kathleen Kennedy’s exit from Lucasfilm, it’s here — and it’s exactly the kind of statement that carries more meaning than it seems at first glance.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has now commented publicly on Kennedy’s departure, offering a glowing, carefully-worded tribute that positions her tenure as both historic and foundational to Lucasfilm’s modern era.

Why this matters now

Leadership changes at Lucasfilm always trigger speculation — not just about what happened behind closed doors, but about where Star Wars goes next.

That’s why Iger stepping in matters.

When Disney’s CEO addresses this kind of transition directly, it signals that Kennedy’s departure isn’t being framed internally as damage control or controversy. It’s being framed as a respected, planned shift — and Disney wants the public narrative to match that.

What Bob Iger said

In his statement, Iger emphasized two key points:

1. Disney knew Lucasfilm was a “beloved and enduring storytelling universe” when it was acquired
2. Kathleen Kennedy was viewed as a major part of that value, specifically noting she was “handpicked by George Lucas himself”

Here’s the central quote:

“When we acquired Lucasfilm more than a decade ago, we knew we were bringing into the Disney family not only one of the most beloved and enduring storytelling universes ever created, but also a team of extraordinary talent led by a visionary filmmaker — someone who had been handpicked by George Lucas himself, no less. We’re deeply grateful for Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership, her vision, and her stewardship of such an iconic studio and brand.”

It’s classic Iger: respectful, legacy-focused, and extremely intentional in its phrasing.

The context Disney wants you to remember

This statement isn’t just a farewell card.

It’s Disney reinforcing the idea that Kennedy’s Lucasfilm wasn’t a detour — it was the official continuation of George Lucas’ handoff.

That “handpicked by George Lucas himself” line doesn’t appear by accident. It’s a reminder to fans (and critics) that Kennedy wasn’t an outsider placed into Star Wars.

She was part of the original transition plan.

Why Iger’s wording is interesting

The real signal isn’t just gratitude — it’s framing.

Iger calls Kennedy:

• a visionary filmmaker
• a leader of extraordinary talent
• a steward of an iconic studio and brand

That last phrase is important. Disney sees Lucasfilm not only as a creative engine, but as a brand platform — film, streaming, games, publishing, parks, the whole machine.

Kennedy wasn’t merely running productions.

She was managing one of Disney’s biggest cultural assets.

What this means for Star Wars going forward

Kennedy stepping away marks the end of one era — but Disney is making it clear they won’t be rewriting her legacy on the way out.

The implication: Lucasfilm’s next leadership phase (with Filoni on the creative side and Brennan handling business operations) won’t be sold as a revolution.

It will be positioned as a continuation — a shift in structure, not a rejection of what came before.

And for fans, that matters, because it suggests Star Wars won’t suddenly swing into a new identity overnight.

It’ll evolve. Slowly. Deliberately.

What Disney Wants Fans to Hear

Bob Iger didn’t have to say anything.

But he did — and the message is clear: Kathleen Kennedy’s time at Lucasfilm is being publicly honored at the highest corporate level, with Disney explicitly tying her leadership to George Lucas’ trust.

Whatever the next era of Star Wars becomes, Disney wants the transition to feel stable.

Not messy.

And that tone — calm, grateful, legacy-driven — tells you a lot about how Lucasfilm intends to move forward from here.

Stay connected with the galaxy’s latest updates!

Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for exclusive content, mod guides, Star Wars gaming news, and more. Your support helps keep the Holonet alive—one click at a time.