Kathleen Kennedy steps down as steward of Star Wars at Lucasfilm

After more than 13 years in charge of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her role as the head of “Star Wars.” Dave Filoni will be taking the reins as president and chief creative officer as the franchise moves into its sixth decade. Kennedy, who was personally chosen by George Lucas to lead Lucasfilm, reflected on her time there, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with such talented individuals.

During her time as steward of Lucasfilm, Kennedy oversaw tremendous financial success, with the company bringing in over $5.6 billion at the box office and making Disney+ a top streaming platform. However, Kennedy faced some challenges as well. While the “Star Wars” franchise continued to expand with new movies and streaming spinoffs like “The Mandalorian” and “Andor,” there was a growing divide between the direction of the newer films and the expectations of longtime fans.

Dave Filoni, a seasoned veteran in the world of “Star Wars,” has been tapped to lead the franchise into the future. He brings a wealth of experience, having worked on popular series like “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” Filoni expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue the legacy of “Star Wars.”

Looking back on Kennedy’s tenure, her biggest hit came with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015, which earned over $2 billion worldwide. However, subsequent films like “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker” received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Despite the challenges, Kennedy leaves behind a lasting impact on the world of “Star Wars.”

As the franchise looks towards the future, fans can anticipate new projects and series under Filoni’s leadership. The coming years will bring more stories and adventures set in a galaxy far, far away, as the legacy of “Star Wars” continues to evolve.