In one of the most consequential shake-ups in Hollywood’s sci-fi landscape, Kathleen Kennedy has stepped down as president of Lucasfilm, the studio behind the Star Wars franchise, ending a remarkable 14-year run overseeing one of the world’s most beloved entertainment universes. 

Kennedy’s departure, announced on 15 January 2026, marks the end of an era that began shortly before Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 — when George Lucas himself personally chose her to steer the company into a new chapter of storytelling. 

A Legacy of Expansion — And Controversy

During her tenure, Kennedy shepherded Star Wars into a bold new era. 

Under her leadership, Lucasfilm produced:

• The blockbuster sequel trilogy — beginning with 2015’s The Force Awakens, which reignited global box office excitement for the saga. 

• Hit Disney+ series including The Mandalorian and Andor, which helped establish the franchise as a streaming powerhouse. 

• The expansion of Star Wars across parks, merchandise, and multimedia. 

Her era generated billions in revenue, greatly validating Disney’s $4+ billion investment. 

Yet the run wasn’t without its share of criticism.

 Several Star Wars films underperformed or faced creative turbulence — most notably Solo: A Star Wars Story — and some long-time fans and commentators debated the franchise’s creative direction at various points. 

Passing the Torch: Filoni and Brennan Take the Helm

Kennedy’s exit ushers in a new leadership model for Lucasfilm. 

Two key executives will jointly lead the studio going forward:

• Dave Filoni — acclaimed creator behind The Clone Wars, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka — assumes the roles of President and Chief Creative Officer, overseeing the creative vision of Star Wars storytelling. 

• Lynwen Brennan — a veteran Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic executive — joins as Co-President, focusing on business and operational strategy. 

Together they bring decades of combined experience in guiding Lucasfilm’s creative and business functions — signaling a strategic reshaping of how the franchise will be managed in its next chapter. 

What’s Next for Kennedy — And Star Wars?

Although stepping down as studio president, Kennedy isn’t leaving the Star Wars universe entirely.

 She’ll transition into full-time producing, remaining involved in upcoming theatrical projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) and Star Wars: Starfighter (2027). 

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman described her legacy as visionary — crediting her with building one of the richest storytelling universes in modern cinema. 

A New Era Begins

With Filoni and Brennan at the helm, Lucasfilm is poised to blend a deep reverence for Star Wars’ roots with fresh creative energy. 

Filoni — known and beloved by fans for his deep understanding of the lore — is expected to emphasize cohesive world-building across both film and television as the franchise re-engages theatrical audiences after years of streaming focus. 

For many fans, this leadership shift feels like both a culmination of Kennedy’s transformative era and the beginning of an exciting next chapter in the unfolding story of a galaxy far, far away.