Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has addressed recent speculation about her retirement, firmly denying any plans to step away from her role in the near future. Earlier this week, Puck News reported that Kennedy, a seasoned film producer, was set to retire at the end of her contract in 2025, following a previous consideration to retire in 2024. While Variety dismissed these claims as "pure speculation," The Hollywood Reporter corroborated Puck's story.
In response to these reports, Kennedy spoke to Deadline, clarifying her position and emphasizing her dedication to filmmaking. "The truth is, and I want to just say loud and clear, I am not retiring," Kennedy stated. She added, "I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies. That is the first thing that’s important to say. I am not retiring."
Despite these assertions, Kennedy acknowledged ongoing discussions with Disney CEO Bob Iger regarding a succession plan after 13 years in her role. Star Wars Rebels creator and current Lucasfilm chief creative officer Dave Filoni is reportedly in a "strong position" to succeed her. However, Kennedy emphasized that she is "continuing to stay at Lucasfilm" and is involved in upcoming projects such as the Mandalorian movie and a Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy.
Kennedy also addressed the growth of Lucasfilm during her tenure, noting the expansion into streaming and other ventures that were not part of the company's portfolio when she started. She stressed that the decision to step down would be "100% my decision," and she firmly denied any suggestions of being "pushed aside" or "in need of being replaced."
Her time at Lucasfilm has been marked by significant achievements, including the production of the sequel trilogy (Star Wars Episodes 7-9) and the launch of several successful streaming series such as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte. While some projects like Star Wars: The Force Awakens were major successes, others, including Solo: A Star Wars Story, faced financial challenges and mixed reception.
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Kathleen Kennedy at the launch of Disney+ Star Wars show the Acolyte. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney.
Kennedy's commitment to Lucasfilm and the broader film industry remains unwavering, as she continues to shape the future of the Star Wars franchise.
