As Lucasfilm prepares for a new chapter, Kelly Marie Tran has shared her thoughts on Kathleen Kennedy stepping away from the company she led for more than a decade.
Speaking in a recent interview, Tran described Kennedy’s departure as “such a loss,” while also expressing happiness for the personal changes Kennedy is making in her life.
“Historic” leadership at Lucasfilm
Tran emphasized the importance of Kennedy’s role not just as a producer, but as a long-standing leader in an industry where women at that level have historically been rare.
She highlighted Kennedy’s career as both exceptional and historic, noting that her presence at the head of Lucasfilm represented more than a single executive position — it symbolized longevity, capability, and visibility in a space often dominated by men.
For Tran, that context matters as much as the films themselves.
A measured response, not a political one
Notably, Tran’s comments were calm and reflective rather than defensive or confrontational. She acknowledged the loss Lucasfilm faces while also expressing genuine support for Kennedy’s next phase in life.
That balance mirrors how many within the industry appear to be approaching the transition: recognition of Kennedy’s impact, paired with an understanding that leadership eras inevitably change.
Kennedy’s legacy at Lucasfilm
Kathleen Kennedy’s tenure included the launch of the sequel trilogy, the expansion into streaming television, and the transformation of Star Wars into a multi-platform franchise spanning film, Disney+, publishing, and games.
Her leadership has often been the subject of intense online debate, but voices from within the franchise — like Tran’s — continue to underscore the scale and durability of her influence behind the scenes.
A Defining Era Comes to a Close
While Lucasfilm’s future leadership structure continues to take shape, reactions like Tran’s provide a reminder that Kennedy’s exit is being felt personally by many who worked under her.
It’s not just the end of a job title — it’s the closing of a long, defining chapter in modern Star Wars history.
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