Esteemed president of Lucasfilm and widely respected film producer, Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly preparing to step down from her role, concluding a 13-year tenure which oversaw the revival of the Star Wars franchise and inspired the development of numerous other major screen projects.
Kennedy’s career in film to date is both extensive and illustrious. Her first producing job was on Steven Spielberg’s 1982 blockbuster E.T., a collaboration that snowballed into further famed projects including Schindler’s List (1993), Jurassic Park (1993), and Munich (2005). She has produced and executive produced over 70 feature films which have collectively received 120 Oscar nominations and 25 wins, cementing her as arguably one of the most successful female producers in Hollywood history.
In 2012, George Lucas appointed Kennedy as his successor to lead Lucasfilm; a move which also coincided with the company’s $4 billion Disney acquisition. Her leadership ushered in a new era for the Star Wars franchise as the seventh episode, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released in 2015. A highly anticipated film amongst loyal and new followers alike, the revitalisation of the enterprise was a huge triumph, leading to several sequels and spin-offs in cinema, as well as the release of critically acclaimed Disney+ series The Mandalorian and Andor on fan’s screens at home.
if there’s one thing for certain amidst all this chaos, it’s that Kathleen Kennedy’s work will undoubtedly continue to appear on our screens
Despite great commercial success and box-office records, Kennedy’s tenure was not without its challenges. It is no surprise that working both at the helm of such a powerful entertainment company and at the mercy of one of the world’s largest and most passionate fanbases inevitably invites criticism. However, it was journalist Matthew Belloni’s recent report that ignited a frenzy throughout the media, raising questions as to whether Belloni’s journalistic efforts were entirely ethical or not.
In light of his recent claims, Kennedy chose to take charge of the narrative and reveal-all with DEADLINE's Mike Fleming Jr. When asked about the speculation, she said “The truth is, and I want to just say loud and clear, I am not retiring”. Whilst she professed her unwavering passion for filmmaking, Kennedy did admit to talks with Bob Iger (CEO of Disney) and Alan Bergman (Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment) about her eventual succession plans. Adamant that rumours of her being pushed aside and needing to be replaced ‘could not be further from the truth’, she reassured readers that as she remains actively involved in The Mandalorian movie (to be released next year), and Shawn Levy’s standalone Star Wars movie, her hand in the Lucasfilm world isn’t set to fade presently. Despite Belloni’s claim that the Lucasfilm president will be out by the end of 2025, it seems Kennedy’s final hour is undetermined at this stage, but when the time comes, she insists that it will "100%" be her decision.
Since Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm appears to only be in the discussion phase among management, were the ethics of Matthew Belloni’s reports entirely justified? I’m not so sure. While some fans may support a change in leadership, Belloni’s propagation of misleading information gives the impression that he prioritised speed and his professional reputation over accuracy in this breaking story. Consequently, it looks as though Kennedy has been compelled to address the rumours publicly in an effort to quell public hysteria and reclaim control of her own narrative as she navigates this significant transition in her career.
But if there’s one thing for certain amidst all this chaos, it’s that Kathleen Kennedy’s work will undoubtedly continue to appear on our screens, whether she remains at Lucasfilm or not.
“I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies.”