Kathleen Kennedy to Retire from Lucasfilm in 2025

Recent reports suggest that Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, may be preparing to step down by the end of 2025. According to Puck News, the esteemed film producer is set to retire at the conclusion of her current contract. There have been whispers that Kennedy contemplated retirement in 2024, but she ultimately decided to postpone her decision. However, a source close to Kennedy, cited by Variety, has dismissed Puck’s report as "pure speculation." In contrast, The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated Puck's account, adding weight to the speculation.

Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012, initially serving as co-chair alongside George Lucas, who personally selected her for the role. Following Lucas's departure, she was promoted to president, a position she has held while steering the Star Wars franchise into new territories.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

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During her tenure, Kennedy has overseen the production of the sequel trilogy, including Star Wars Episodes 7-9, and has spearheaded the franchise's expansion into streaming with successful series such as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Key, and others. While films like "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" have been blockbuster successes, others, such as "Solo: A Star Wars Story," have faced challenges at the box office.

Although not yet confirmed, Kennedy's potential exit raises questions about the future of several announced and rumored projects, including new films from directors James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover, as well as an untitled Rey movie that has yet to fully come to fruition.

The upcoming slate of Star Wars projects includes "The Mandalorian & Grogu," and a new Star Wars trilogy helmed by Simon Kinberg.

Before joining Lucasfilm, Kennedy co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall. Her impressive resume includes producing iconic films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future, among other 90s classics, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.