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Andor Broke the Star Wars Template — and Filoni Wasn’t Involved

Split image showing a Dave Filoni silhouette and gritty rebel scene with headline about Andor having zero Filoni input

Whether you think Andor is the best Star Wars Disney+ series ever made, or just “not your vibe,” one thing is hard to argue: It doesn’t feel like the rest of modern Star Wars. And according to The Wrap, there may be a very specific reason why. In a recent explainer, The Wrap reports that Andor was one of the rare live-action Star Wars projects to have “zero input” from Dave Filoni. That’s not a knock on Filoni. But it is a fascinating insight — because Andor is also one of the rare Star Wars shows that felt like it came from a totally different creative universe. Filoni’s Fingerprints Are Everywhere — Except Here For the last decade, Filoni’s presence inside Star Wars has only grown. If a Star Wars project involves: …there’s usually a Filoni silhouette somewhere behind it. So when you hear that Andor had no Filoni involvement…

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Genndy Tartakovsky Turned Down a Lucasfilm Leadership Role in 2005 — and That’s How Dave Filoni Got His Shot

Genndy Tartakovsky at a drawing desk next to Clone Wars animation still with headline about Dave Filoni joining Lucasfilm

Star Wars history is full of “what if?” moments. But this one might be one of the biggest, because it quietly shaped everything that came next — from The Clone Wars to Ahsoka to the entire Disney+ era. According to an explainer from The Wrap, Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of the 2003 Star Wars: Clone Wars) was offered a leadership role at Lucasfilm in 2005 — and he turned it down. That decision reportedly led George Lucas to bring in someone else instead. That person? Dave Filoni. And yeah… the rest is basically Star Wars TV history. The Clone Wars Before Filoni: Genndy’s 2003 Series Was the Prototype Before The Clone Wars became a full CG series with seasons, arcs, and a fanbase that fights like Mandalorians in comment sections… There was Genndy Tartakovsky’s 2D animated microseries, Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003–2005). It was fast, stylish, and aggressively iconic — and…

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Who Is Lynwen Brennan? The Lucasfilm Co-President Fans Are Suddenly Googling Like Crazy

Lynwen Brennan portrait with Lucasfilm background and text: “Who Is Lynwen Brennan?”

If you’ve been online in Star Wars fandom lately, you’ve probably noticed the same thing I have: People are not just talking about Dave Filoni anymore. They’re also Googling Lynwen Brennan like she’s a brand new character that just walked into the season finale and changed the whole power balance. And honestly? It makes sense. Because Brennan isn’t just “some executive.” She’s one of the two people now leading Lucasfilm at the very top — and she’s been quietly steering the ship for years. So who is she really? Let’s do a proper portrait: background, career, family (only what’s public), age, and the thing everyone always searches for… net worth. TL;DR (Quick Take) Lynwen Brennan’s Age (Yes, People Keep Asking) Lynwen Brennan was born in June 1967, which makes her 58 years old (as of 2026). And yes — “Lynwen Brennan age” is basically the #1 search query right now….

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Kathleen Kennedy Addresses Sexism in Star Wars Fandom: “They Unfairly Get Targeted”

Top banner collage of Kathleen Kennedy and female Star Wars creators with headline about sexism and women being targeted

Kathleen Kennedy’s exit interview tour isn’t just about movies, shows, and leadership structure. It’s also about something Star Wars has wrestled with for years — and too often refuses to talk about directly: the harassment and sexism aimed at women in the franchise, both on-screen and behind the camera. In her new Deadline interview, Kennedy speaks candidly about what female Star Wars actors and filmmakers face, and why she doesn’t sugarcoat it when new women enter the franchise. Why this matters now Lucasfilm is in the middle of a major transition — Kennedy stepping down, a new leadership structure forming, and Star Wars preparing for its next big era. But as that next era arrives, one thing hasn’t changed: women who become visible in Star Wars projects are still disproportionately targeted online. Kennedy putting that reality into words matters, because it’s not a fan theory or a vague PR statement….

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Kathleen Kennedy Names the Lowest Point of Her Lucasfilm Era — and It’s About Fan Expectations

George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy banner about her comments on Lucasfilm lows and fan expectations

Kathleen Kennedy has said a lot over the years about Star Wars, leadership, pressure, and the sheer chaos of steering one of pop culture’s most emotionally-owned franchises. But in her latest Deadline interview — released as her Lucasfilm exit becomes official — she finally puts words to what she considers the low point of her time running the studio. And it’s not a box office number. Not a cancelled movie. Not a particular show. It’s the impossible math of trying to satisfy everyone. Why this matters now Kennedy stepping away from Lucasfilm isn’t just a management shuffle — it’s the end of a defining era for modern Star Wars. So every line from her exit interview matters, because this is the version of the story that will stick: what she felt went right, what went wrong, and what she believes the franchise actually struggled with. And her answer here touches…

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From George Lucas’ Apprentice to Lucasfilm President: Dave Filoni’s Unlikely Rise

Dave Filoni portrait banner with headline about becoming Lucasfilm President after working under George Lucas

Dave Filoni didn’t just climb the Lucasfilm ladder. He basically became the ladder. With Filoni officially moving into the Co-President role at Lucasfilm in 2026, Star Wars is now being steered creatively by someone who started at the company in the most Star Wars way imaginable: as George Lucas’ apprentice. Not figuratively. Literally. And when you line up his career milestones, it’s hard not to see the shape of a story Lucas himself would’ve approved of. Why this matters now For years, Filoni has been treated by fans as the “keeper of the lore.” But this new role turns that unofficial reputation into an official mandate. Star Wars isn’t just being guided by a committee, or by shifting creative teams. Lucasfilm is putting its creative leadership into the hands of someone whose entire professional identity has been built inside the galaxy far, far away. And Filoni’s rise didn’t happen through…

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Kathleen Kennedy Releases Statement on Leaving Lucasfilm: “A True Privilege”

Kathleen Kennedy photo banner with headline about her statement on leaving Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm’s leadership transition just became a lot more personal. After Disney CEO Bob Iger offered an official corporate tribute, Kathleen Kennedy has now released her own statement regarding her exit from Lucasfilm — and it reads like exactly what it is: a goodbye letter to a studio she helped define for more than a decade. It’s reflective, grateful, and quietly forward-looking. Why this matters now Kennedy stepping away isn’t just a behind-the-scenes reshuffle. It’s the closing of a chapter that shaped modern Star Wars — from the sequel trilogy to Disney+ to Lucasfilm’s biggest recent creative pivot: television. That’s why her own words matter. This isn’t press speculation or a quote filtered through Disney PR. It’s Kennedy directly framing her legacy — and setting the tone for what she intends to do next. What Kathleen Kennedy said Kennedy confirmed the personal weight behind the moment by pointing straight back to…

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

Bob Iger and Kathleen Kennedy banner image about Disney’s statement on her departure from Lucasfilm

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: Here’s…

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Kathleen Kennedy Retires as Lucasfilm President This Week — Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan Take Over

Illustration showing Lucasfilm leadership transition with Kathleen Kennedy retiring and Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan taking over

This is the biggest Lucasfilm leadership shift since Disney bought the company in 2012 — and it’s not a rumor anymore. Kathleen Kennedy is officially stepping down as President of Lucasfilm this week, ending nearly 14 years as the studio’s top executive. And the replacement structure is just as headline-worthy: Lucasfilm is splitting the role into creative leadership and business leadership, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan stepping into those responsibilities. Why this matters now Star Wars is heading into its next major cycle. There’s a new generation of films on the way, Disney+ remains a core pillar of the franchise, and the brand is actively trying to stabilize its long-term direction after years of uneven theatrical momentum. So this isn’t just “a leadership change.” It’s Disney and Lucasfilm saying: Star Wars is entering a new era — and they want a clearer chain of command before the next wave…

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Lucasfilm Games Relaunched 5 Years Ago Today — and It Quietly Changed Star Wars Gaming Forever

Lucasfilm Games turns 5 anniversary banner with Star Wars gaming theme

Five years ago today, Lucasfilm did something that didn’t look dramatic at the time… but ended up reshaping the entire Star Wars gaming landscape. They relaunched Lucasfilm Games as their dedicated licensing brand — a modern banner for Star Wars games (and other Lucasfilm properties) moving forward. And honestly? In hindsight, it was one of the smartest moves the company has made in the post-Disney era. Not because it guaranteed instant masterpieces — but because it signaled something fans had been begging for: more variety, more studios, and more freedom. Why this matters right now Star Wars games used to feel like they were on one highway. Same publisher. Same pipeline. Same release rhythm. Since Lucasfilm Games returned, Star Wars gaming has felt much more like a living ecosystem — with multiple teams, multiple genres, and multiple bets happening at once. Even when not every project hits, the direction has…

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Dave Filoni and Lywen Brennan will replace Kathleen Kennedy as the new Co-Presidents of Lucasfilm.

Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan pictured together following reports they will become co-presidents of Lucasfilm

A significant leadership change is coming to Lucasfilm. According to Puck News, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan will take over as co-presidents of Lucasfilm, replacing Kathleen Kennedy. Under the reported new structure, Filoni will lead all creative development across the studio’s projects, while Brennan will oversee executive and operational responsibilities. The move formalizes a division of duties that, in many ways, has already been taking shape behind the scenes. What’s changing at Lucasfilm Filoni has long been the public-facing creative voice of modern Star Wars. Rising from animation into live-action, he has become closely associated with the franchise’s storytelling direction, particularly on Disney+ series that connect animation-era characters with the post–Original Trilogy timeline. Brennan, by contrast, has been deeply involved in the production and business side of Lucasfilm. Her background centers on managing large-scale productions, budgets, and logistics—work that is less visible to audiences but critical to keeping a studio…

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Xbox Was an Experiment That Still Feels Bold

Star Wars The Clone Wars Xbox game showcasing large-scale vehicle battles from the 2003 release

When Star Wars: The Clone Wars debuted on the original Xbox in 2003, it wasn’t just another licensed tie-in. It was one of the first attempts to translate the sprawling, chaotic energy of large-scale Clone Wars battles into an interactive experience — and it did so in a way that still resonates with fans who grew up with the console. A Different Kind of Star Wars Combat Unlike lightsaber duels or ground-level infantry skirmishes, Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Xbox put you in the driver’s seat of the machines of war itself. This was a game about vehicles and battlefield roles: Rather than a traditional infantry-focused shooter, the game blended arcade action with objective-driven missions that required tactical thinking and situational awareness. In an era where Star Wars games often focused on cinematic set pieces or character quests, this title leaned into scale and strategy — letting players feel…

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Ben Burtt Becomes Lucasfilm’s First-Ever 50-Year Service Award Recipient

Ben Burtt holding Lucasfilm’s 50-year service award, honoring his five decades of sound design work on Star Wars

Some people define a franchise with a face.Ben Burtt defined Star Wars with sound. Lucasfilm has honored Burtt with its first-ever 50-year Service Award, marking half a century of work that didn’t just support the galaxy far, far away—but quite literally gave it a voice. This isn’t a ceremonial milestone. It’s a recognition that without Burtt, Star Wars as we know it simply wouldn’t exist. Why This Matters Now As Star Wars approaches its own 50th anniversary, Lucasfilm is quietly shifting focus from characters and eras to the people who built the foundation. Awarding a 50-year Service Award for the first time sends a clear message: legacy isn’t just about stories on screen. It’s about the craft behind them. And no one represents that craft more completely than Ben Burtt. The Sounds That Built a Galaxy Burtt didn’t just design effects. He created a language of sound that modern cinema…

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Dave Filoni Honored With Lucasfilm Service Award After 20 Years of Shaping Star Wars

Dave Filoni holding a Lucasfilm Service Award at a celebration event, marking 20 years of contributions to Star Wars storytelling

Some milestones don’t need hype. They speak for themselves. Dave Filoni has received a Lucasfilm Service Award, recognizing 20 years with the company and a body of work that has quietly, steadily reshaped how Star Wars tells its stories. It’s a moment that feels overdue—and entirely fitting. Why this matters now Star Wars has changed dramatically over the last two decades. Formats shifted. Audiences broadened. Expectations hardened. Through all of that, Filoni became a constant. Not because he chased trends, but because he understood the connective tissue of the galaxy far, far away—its themes, its rhythms, and its emotional logic. The Service Award isn’t about a single show or character. It’s about continuity. Stewardship. Trust. What the award recognizes The Lucasfilm Service Award is an internal honor, given to individuals whose long-term contributions helped define the company’s creative identity. In Filoni’s case, that contribution spans animation, live-action television, character creation,…

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This Year’s Lucasfilm Christmas Card Continues a Festive Star Wars Tradition

B2-EMO wearing a winter hat in the Lucasfilm 2025 Star Wars Christmas card holiday artwork

The holidays have always brought something special from Lucasfilm, but this year’s Christmas card captures the season with a distinctly Star Wars twist. Lucasfilm has revealed its 2025 holiday card artwork, featuring Andor characters K-2SO and B2-EMO hauling in a Christmas tree, set against a wintry backdrop that feels both festive and fitting for a galaxy far, far away. The piece was illustrated by Logan Crist of Industrial Light & Magic, keeping alive a tradition that stretches back decades. Why this matters now Star Wars holiday cards aren’t just seasonal niceties. They’re part of Lucasfilm’s long-running tradition of celebrating the franchise’s creative community while giving fans a collectible piece of art that reflects the tone of a given year. At a moment when Star Wars continues to expand across film, television, games, and immersive experiences, a lighthearted artwork like this offers a shared cultural touchpoint — a reminder that the…

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December 21 Changed Star Wars Forever — Not October 30

December 21 graphic showing Disney and Lucasfilm imagery marking the day Disney officially completed its Lucasfilm acquisition

This is one of those Star Wars facts that almost everyone gets wrong — including major news outlets. Disney did not officially buy Lucasfilm on October 30, 2012. That was the announcement day.The deal itself came later. And the distinction matters more than people think. Why this matters now “On this day” anniversaries tend to flatten history into a single headline. Over time, that headline becomes accepted truth, even when it skips important details. The Disney–Lucasfilm deal is a perfect example. October 30 is remembered as the moment Star Wars changed hands — but legally and financially, that wasn’t the case. What actually happened in 2012 On October 30, 2012, Disney announced its intention to acquire Lucasfilm in a deal valued at roughly $4.05 billion. The news dominated entertainment coverage and instantly reshaped expectations for the future of Star Wars. But announcing a deal isn’t the same as completing one….

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Lucasfilm Games Announces a New Star Wars Digital Collectible Card Game for PC & Mobile

Header image featuring Star Wars-themed digital card game interface with text announcing the new Lucasfilm Games collectible card game for PC and mobile.

Move over sabacc — a new card game is coming to the galaxy far, far away. Lucasfilm Games has officially teamed up with Zero36 Studio and CCG Lab to create a brand-new digital collectible Star Wars card game launching on Android, iOS, and PC. If you’ve ever wanted to command a deck full of Sith Lords, bounty hunters, Jedi, smugglers, or whatever strange thing is living in Jabba’s basement… your moment may finally be here. And honestly? It’s about time the franchise dipped back into competitive card gaming — but with a modern twist this round. A New Way to Play Star Wars The goal of the new project is simple: take the strategy, tension, and lore of a traditional collectible card game (CCG), mix it with characters spanning the entire franchise, and wrap it all in an accessible digital package. According to the developers, the game aims to be…

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Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Lands on ITVX – A New Home for a Galaxy Divided

Star Wars sequel trilogy announcement graphic with bold space-themed design promoting arrival on ITVX.

The Star Wars sequel trilogy has officially hyperspaced its way to a new streaming home: ITVX.The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019) have now joined the platform, giving UK viewers an easy place to revisit (or re-debate) one of the most divisive eras in Star Wars history. Source And honestly—few trilogies deserve the word “divisive” quite as much as this one. A Galaxy Reborn… Then Argued About After Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, the studio launched a brand-new sequel trilogy set decades after Return of the Jedi. The nostalgia was real: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill all returned as Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker. At the same time, a new generation took the spotlight: Together, they find themselves locked in a war against Supreme Leader Snoke and his apprentice Kylo Ren — better known as Ben Solo, son of…

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Carrie Beck: The Quiet Force Behind Star Wars—and Possibly the Future of Lucasfilm

Carrie Beck standing confidently with a Star Wars logo background

Carrie Beck might not be a household name (yet), but behind the scenes of a galaxy far, far away, she’s been quietly shaping the Star Wars universe for years. And now, the Force-sensitive whispers around the Holonet are getting louder: Could Carrie Beck be the next big leader at Lucasfilm? Let’s punch it to hyperspace and break it down. Carrie Beck’s Role in Star Wars (So Far) Currently serving as EVP of Lucasfilm’s Story Group, Carrie Beck has been instrumental in helping guide the narrative threads of Star Wars across movies, shows, books, and games. While Kathleen Kennedy still captains the Lucasfilm ship, Beck has played the role of co-pilot with increasing visibility. Beck was involved in: Essentially, when a Jedi says something lore-breaking in a script meeting, it’s likely Carrie Beck who steps in with a raised eyebrow and a continuity-saving retcon. Why Her Name Is Buzzing Now The…

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The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie Trailer (Video) — Full Breakdown & Release Date Revealed

The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie Trailer (Video) — Full Breakdown & Release Date Revealed

Lucasfilm just pulled the curtain back on the next chapter in the saga of everyone’s favorite beskar-armored dad and his Force-wielding green companion. The trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu is officially out in the galaxy, and it’s giving big-screen energy with a runtime of 2 minutes and 14 seconds — and a release date locked in for May 22, 2026. A Galaxy Worth the Wait It’s been a hot minute since a Star Wars movie graced theaters (looking at you, The Rise of Skywalker), but that dry spell is coming to an end. The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, makes the leap from the comfort of Disney+ living rooms to full-blown cinema screens. Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) is back, Grogu is cuter and more capable than ever, and yes — there’s action, drama, and Force-flipping galore. The trailer, which debuted during Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, wastes…

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What to Expect at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Panels, Merch, and Cultural Mashups

Star Wars Celebration Japan

Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 is right around the corner, landing in Chiba from April 18 to 20 at the iconic Makuhari Messe. For fans across the galaxy, this is more than a convention—it’s a cultural fusion of East and West, Jedi and samurai, with major announcements, exclusive merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. This is our fifth and final article in our Star Wars & Japan series, leading up to Celebration Japan. If you’ve been following along—thank you. If you’re just joining us, you’re in for a galactic finale. Whether you’re attending in person or planning to catch the live stream from hyperspace, here’s your ultimate Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 guide. 1. Big Panels & Major Announcements One of the biggest reasons fans gather for Celebration? The panels—and this year’s Star Wars Celebration schedule is packed with headline-grabbing reveals and insider deep dives. Friday, April 18 Highlights: Saturday, April 19…

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🎭 Oscar Isaac Bows Out of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025

Oscar Isaac Cancels Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Appearance

In a galaxy not so far away—specifically, Japan—plans are shifting like a podracer in a tight corner. Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 was set to feature an appearance from Oscar Isaac, the beloved actor behind Resistance flyboy Poe Dameron. But alas, the Force (and a busy filming schedule) had other ideas. 🎬 Why Oscar Isaac Won’t Be Touching Down in Tokyo According to a recent update from the event’s official team, Oscar Isaac has officially canceled his appearance at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025. The reason? Filming obligations. Translation: he’s out there somewhere, probably in a galaxy equally chaotic, but more rooted in earthly studio deadlines. There’s no word yet on what project has pulled him away (Marvel? Sci-fi noir? A surprise musical about droids?), but the announcement confirms it’s not due to illness or other personal issues—just work calling at hyperspeed. 💬 The Official Word from Star Wars Celebration…

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Kathleen Kennedy Addresses Lucasfilm Exit Rumors and Star Wars’ Future

Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall to Be Honored at the Oscar Wilde Awards

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…

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The Next Jedi Council: Who Will Lead Lucasfilm After Kathleen Kennedy?

The Next Jedi Council: Who Will Lead Lucasfilm After Kathleen Kennedy?

In a galaxy not so far away, the Force is abuzz with news: Kathleen Kennedy, the stalwart president of Lucasfilm since 2012, is reportedly planning to retire by the end of 2025. This revelation has ignited a lightsaber duel of speculation over who will helm the Star Wars franchise next. Among the names circulating are Marvel Studios’ maestro Kevin Feige and Star Wars’ own lore master, Dave Filoni. The End of an Era: Kathleen Kennedy’s Departure Kennedy’s tenure at Lucasfilm has been nothing short of eventful. Handpicked by George Lucas himself, she has overseen the resurgence of Star Wars through a new trilogy and a plethora of Disney+ series. Her leadership has been pivotal in expanding the galaxy far, far away into new mediums and stories. However, as with any epic saga, chapters conclude, and her planned retirement marks the end of a significant era for the franchise. The Contenders:…

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