Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy Reportedly Retiring at the End of 2025

Rumors are swirling that Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is planning to step down by the end of 2025. According to Puck News, the seasoned film producer, who joined Lucasfilm in 2012, is set to retire at the end of her current contract. Reports suggest that Kennedy had previously considered retiring in 2024 but chose to delay her decision. While a source close to Kennedy dismissed the story as "pure speculation" in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed Puck's account.

Kennedy initially joined Lucasfilm as a co-chair, handpicked by George Lucas himself to help run the studio. Following Lucas's departure, she was promoted to president and has since overseen the Star Wars franchise. Under her leadership, the franchise expanded with the sequel trilogy—comprising Star Wars Episodes 7-9—and ventured into the streaming world with successful series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Key, among others. While films such as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" have been blockbuster successes, others like "Solo: A Star Wars Story" have stirred controversy and faced financial losses.

If Kennedy does indeed step down, it could cast uncertainty over numerous announced and rumored projects, including new films from directors James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover, as well as an untitled Rey movie that has yet to fully take shape. The upcoming slate of Star Wars projects includes "The Mandalorian & Grogu" and a new trilogy from Simon Kinberg.

Before her tenure at Lucasfilm, Kennedy co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall. Her prolific career includes producing iconic films like E.T., Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.

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