Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down As Lucasfilm President With Dave Filoni And Lynwen Brennan To Lead

A major shift in leadership is underway at one of the most influential studios in Hollywood history. Kathleen Kennedy is officially stepping down as the president of Lucasfilm after guiding the company for nearly fourteen years. Her departure marks the end of a significant era that began when George Lucas handpicked her to lead the studio prior to its acquisition by Disney. She will not be leaving the galaxy far, far away entirely just yet. Kennedy plans to transition into a producing role for several upcoming high-profile projects before moving on to independent production work.

The studio has moved quickly to establish a new leadership structure that splits duties between creative and business operations. Dave Filoni has been promoted to the role of president and chief creative officer. He is a longtime veteran of the company who was directly mentored by George Lucas and has been instrumental in recent television successes. Filoni will now oversee all creative direction for the studio’s film and television output. Working alongside him will be Lynwen Brennan who has been named co-president. Brennan previously served as the general manager of business operations and will now handle the executive and operational side of the company.

This dual-leadership model appears to mirror successful structures seen at other major Disney subsidiaries like Marvel Studios. Both Filoni and Brennan will report directly to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. The executives expressed enthusiasm for the transition and the opportunity to steward the beloved franchise into its next chapter. Filoni released a statement expressing his gratitude to both Kennedy and Lucas for their mentorship over the years. He highlighted the privilege of continuing the storytelling legacy that has defined the studio for decades.

Kennedy leaves behind a complex but financially massive legacy including the completion of the sequel trilogy and the launch of the studio’s streaming content. Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of Disney, praised her vision and stewardship during a transformative period for the brand. She will remain on board as a producer for the highly anticipated film ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ which is slated for release in May 2026. Additionally she will produce ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ which is currently scheduled for 2027. These projects ensure her influence will still be felt on the screen for the near future.

Fans are already speculating on how this change will impact the tone and direction of future stories. The promotion of Filoni is seen by many as a commitment to the storytelling roots established in the animated series he helmed. With Brennan managing the business logistics the hope is for a more streamlined production process. The studio has several other projects in the pipeline including a second season of ‘Ahsoka’ and a new animated series titled ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’. This changing of the guard represents a fresh start for a franchise that continues to dominate global pop culture.

We want to know if you think this leadership change will bring a positive new direction to the franchise so please let us know your thoughts in the comments.