Kathleen Kennedy, the longtime president of Lucasfilm, may move to exit her executive position. Even better, this change might come much sooner than anyone expected. She became part of Lucasfilm in 2012 as co-chairs with the legendary George Lucas. After Disney bought the company for $4 billion, she assumed control and co-founded the oft-celebrated “Disney Renaissance.” During her tenure with the company, Kennedy has been an integral force behind shaping the Star Wars franchise. Contrary to these optimistic trends, the growing conversation in Washington suggests her leadership will soon be over.
According to well-placed sources, Kennedy is preparing to leave her post by the end of the summer. The only thing that seems certain at this point is that she has made it clear that she is leaving on her own terms. Her rumored exit would mark a huge inflection point for Lucasfilm.
Kennedy’s presidency has often been viewed through the lens of extraordinary accomplishments and tragic failure. Under her leadership, films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story achieved great commercial success. The Force Awakens went on to gross over $2 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film in history until it wasn’t. Even though Rogue One continued the Star Wars box office juggernaut, bringing in over $1 billion at the end of 2016. On the one hand, it was acclaimed, despite the production’s creative struggles.
Despite her great accomplishments, surprisingly, Kennedy’s leadership at Lucasfilm has been clouded with controversy. She faced backlash for her decision to dismiss filmmakers Chris Lord and Phil Miller amid the production of Solo: A Star Wars Story, a move that sparked significant discussion within the fan community. Under her stewardship, The Last Jedi came to be seen as the best-reviewed Star Wars movie. In addition, her handling of The Rise of Skywalker has received divisive responses from both critics and fans.
Kennedy has so far stayed engaged with calls in board circles for her to lay out succession plans. She’s continuing to have conversations with important stakeholders across Disney. This even stretches to conversations with Walt Disney Studios chairman Bob Iger and Marvel Studios president Alan Fine regarding the supposed incoming leadership transition.
“What’s happening at Lucasfilm is I have been talking for quite some time with both Bob [Iger] and Alan [Fine] about what eventual succession might look like,” – Kathleen Kennedy
Kennedy has expressed her commitment to remaining in a leadership capacity until a suitable successor is identified.
“I’m continuing to stay at Lucasfilm and looking very thoughtfully with Bob and Alan as to who’s stepping in,” – Kathleen Kennedy
Kennedy has an unapologetic and refreshing love of the filmmaking. Beyond her time directing at Lucasfilm, she’s committed to ensuring others can have successful careers in the industry as well.
“The truth is, and I want to just say loud and clear, I am not retiring,” – Kathleen Kennedy
In fact, she elaborated further on her dedication to the craft:
“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.” – Kathleen Kennedy
By and large, longtime Star Wars fans are extremely disappointed with Kathy Kennedy’s handling of the franchise. While some dread what’s to come, many others welcome the hope new leadership brings. With the rapidly changing status of Lucasfilm, there is a perfect opportunity for a different way of storytelling in the created galaxy far, far away.
Though negotiations over leadership transitions are still underway, the fate of Lucasfilm continues to hang in the balance. Though Kennedy’s departure makes the future of the franchise uncertain, her legacy as one of the most transformative figures is inarguable. Her skill in telling stories that flex alongside victories and defeats have impacted recent understandings of even the most canonized tales.