Kathleen Kennedy Departs Lucasfilm as New Leaders Take the Helm of Star Wars

If you follow Star Wars news (or franchise drama in general), you probably know there are always rumors about the future of Lucasfilm leadership. Well, it finally happened: after nearly 14 years of calling the shots, Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as president. And the folks taking over? There are two names that should ring a bell if you’ve tracked modern Star Wars or Lucasfilm behind the scenes.

Meet the New Bosses (Plural!)

Instead of sticking to a solo act, Lucasfilm is handing the keys to two longtime insiders:

• Dave Filoni – If you’re a Star Wars animation or Disney+ series fan, this guy is already basically a household name. He’s taking the formal role of President and Chief Creative Officer. That means even more control over the direction of stories, characters, and (fingers crossed) fewer continuity headaches.
• Lynwen Brennan – She’s been the behind-the-scenes heavy hitter for years, first with Industrial Light & Magic and then as Lucasfilm's General Manager. Now she's Co-President, so she’ll partner with Filoni on the business and operational side. Big-picture decisions? She’s involved.

Both Filoni and Brennan now report directly to Disney bigwig Alan Bergman. So, yes, there’s a new balance of power, but Mickey Mouse is still at the top of the pyramid.

What Happens to Kathleen Kennedy?

Don’t think you’ve seen the last of Kennedy just yet. She’s moving away from the presiding-over-everything role but staying on as producer—at least for Lucasfilm’s next handful of big theatrical releases. If you’re keeping track for your movie bingo card, those are:

- 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' (2026)
- 'Star Wars: Starfighter' (2027)

In her words:
"It has been a true privilege to spend more than a decade working alongside the extraordinary talent at Lucasfilm. I’m excited to continue developing films and television with both longtime collaborators and fresh voices."

Filoni and Brennan’s Track Records

Here’s a quick refresher on why these two are the picks to steer the ship:

- Dave Filoni: Joined Lucasfilm in 2005, right when The Clone Wars animated series kicked off. Worked directly with George Lucas (yes, he got the mentorship treatment most fans would trade a limb for). He’s been key on The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Star Wars Rebels, racking up Emmy nominations and lots of fan goodwill—not a given with Star Wars these days. He publicly credited Kennedy for overseeing 'the greatest expansion in Star Wars storytelling onscreen that we have ever seen'. (It helps to be gracious on your first day as boss.)

- Lynwen Brennan: Started at ILM in the late nineties, ran the show there for a decade, then took over as Lucasfilm's GM. By 2024, she was both President and General Manager. Her quote? She’s 'got unwavering faith in Dave’s creative vision.' No ambiguity there.

The Kennedy Era, by the Numbers

Say what you want about her decisions (and fans definitely have), Kennedy’s Star Wars movies made serious cash: 'The Force Awakens' and 'Rogue One' each crossed the $1 billion global box-office mark. She also launched all those Disney+ series ranging from The Mandalorian to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, and Andor.

In Disney’s official-speak, CEO Bob Iger already chimed in with a thank you for her 'leadership, vision, and stewardship.' As usual, it’s mostly polite applause—but the transition’s a big deal for the future of the brand and whatever that next wave of films and shows looks like.

What Does This All Mean for Star Wars?

We know Disney loves a shakeup as much as it loves a spinoff. With Filoni (the guy most trusted by hardcore fans) now officially at the wheel, and Brennan keeping the engine running, the stakes are high. The galaxy far, far away is getting new(ish) leadership—and maybe, just maybe, a slightly less bumpy ride.