Lucasfilm Shakes Up Leadership as Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as president of Lucasfilm after fourteen years, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan taking over in a new co-leadership structure while Kennedy transitions to full-time producing.
A major leadership shift is officially underway at Lucasfilm, as longtime president Kathleen Kennedy steps down from her executive role after a fourteen-year tenure. Disney confirmed the transition on Thursday, outlining a new dual leadership structure for the iconic studio. Dave Filoni will step into the role of president and chief creative officer, while Lynwen Brennan will serve as co-president. The restructuring marks a defining moment for the studio, which Disney acquired in 2012 for four billion dollars following George Lucas's retirement.
Kennedy is not leaving the franchise entirely behind, as she transitions back to a full-time producing role to focus on upcoming theatrical projects. Her immediate slate includes The Mandalorian and Grogu, arriving in 2026, followed by Star Wars: Starfighter in 2027. During her time at the helm, Kennedy oversaw a massive expansion of the Star Wars universe across film and television, building on a legendary producing career that includes foundational cinematic classics like Jurassic Park and Back to the Future.
The new leadership pairing brings decades of internal experience to the table. Filoni, a crucial creative architect for modern Star Wars animation and live-action television like Ahsoka and The Mandalorian, will steer the creative vision alongside George Lucas's original legacy. Meanwhile, Brennan brings extensive operational expertise from her long tenure leading Industrial Light and Magic and managing Lucasfilm business operations. As the studio prepares for its next era of transmedia storytelling, this dyad structure aims to balance creative direction with robust studio management. For the full report, check out the original coverage on Polygon.
Original reporting by Michael McWhertor at Polygon.
Tags: Star Wars, Lucasfilm, Disney, Dave Filoni, Industry News
Original article: Polygon