Kathleen Kennedy to Retire from Lucasfilm in 2025

According to a recent report by Puck News, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is contemplating stepping down by the end of 2025, coinciding with the end of her current contract. The veteran film producer reportedly considered retiring earlier in 2024 but chose to delay her decision. While Variety has cited a source close to Kennedy dismissing these claims as "pure speculation," The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated Puck's story, lending it some credence.

Kennedy assumed her role at Lucasfilm in 2012, initially serving as co-chair alongside the studio's founder, George Lucas. Following Lucas's departure, she was elevated to the position of president and has since been steering the Star Wars franchise. Under her leadership, Lucasfilm embarked on a new sequel trilogy, encompassing Star Wars Episodes 7-9, and ushered in the streaming era with series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Key, and more. While blockbuster hits such as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" have thrived under her watch, other projects, like "Solo: A Star Wars Story," faced financial setbacks and mixed reviews.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

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Should Kennedy's departure come to fruition, it could cast uncertainty over numerous upcoming projects, including new films directed by James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover. There's also the much-discussed but still-developing Rey movie. The immediate future of Star Wars includes "The Mandalorian & Grogu" film and a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg.

Before joining Lucasfilm, Kennedy co-founded Amblin Entertainment alongside Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall. Her impressive portfolio includes producing classics like E.T., Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and other 90s gems, which earned her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.