Kathleen Kennedy to Retire from Lucasfilm in 2025

According to a report by Puck News, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is considering stepping down by the end of 2025, at the conclusion of her current contract. Initially, Kennedy had contemplated retiring in 2024 but chose to delay her decision. However, a source close to Kennedy told Variety that Puck's story is "pure speculation." In contrast, The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated Puck's report, adding credibility to the news of her potential departure.

Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012, initially serving as co-chair alongside George Lucas before taking over as president following Lucas's departure. Under her leadership, Lucasfilm has seen the release of the Star Wars sequel trilogy (Episodes 7-9) and the launch of the franchise's streaming era, which includes popular series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Key, and more. While some projects, such as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," have been major successes, others, like "Solo: A Star Wars Story," have faced financial challenges at the box office.

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If Kennedy does step down, it could impact several 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 been slow to develop. 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. She has produced iconic films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and other 90s classics, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.