Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy Responds to Retirement Reports, Confirms Star Wars Succession Plan

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has addressed recent reports suggesting her retirement from the company in late 2025. Earlier reports in Puck News claimed Kennedy planned to retire at the end of her contract this year, following a previous consideration of retirement in 2024. While Variety dismissed the story as speculation, The Hollywood Reporter corroborated the initial report.

Kennedy has now clarified her position, stating unequivocally to Deadline that she is not retiring. "I will never retire from movies," she emphasized. "I will die making movies. That is the first thing that’s important to say. I am not retiring."

She confirmed collaboration with Disney CEO Bob Iger on a succession plan, acknowledging the significant growth of Lucasfilm since she assumed her role 13 years ago. Dave Filoni, creator of Star Wars Rebels and Lucasfilm's chief creative officer, is reportedly a strong contender for her eventual replacement. However, Kennedy stressed she is "continuing to stay at Lucasfilm," actively overseeing projects including the upcoming Mandalorian movie and a Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy.

While a transition of leadership is anticipated, Kennedy maintains it will be entirely her decision and she doesn't have a definite timeline. She denied being pushed out or needing replacement, calling those suggestions inaccurate. Her tenure has overseen the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX), the launch of the successful Star Wars streaming era (including The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte), and several box office successes and some more divisive projects.