Kathleen Kennedy to Retire from Lucasfilm in 2025

According to a recent report from Puck News, Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, is set to retire by the end of 2025 when her current contract concludes. Initially, there were whispers that Kennedy might have considered stepping down in 2024, but she opted to delay her decision. While Variety cited a source close to Kennedy dismissing Puck's report as "pure speculation," The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated the story from Puck, adding credibility to the news of her impending retirement.

Kathleen Kennedy joined Lucasfilm back in 2012, initially serving as co-chair alongside George Lucas before taking the helm as president after Lucas's departure. Under her leadership, Lucasfilm has seen the release of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, which includes Episodes 7-9, and has ventured into the streaming realm with successful series such as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Key, among others. While films like "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" have been major box office successes, others, such as "Solo: A Star Wars Story," have faced financial challenges and stirred mixed reactions among fans.

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

20 Images

Kennedy's departure, if confirmed, would likely cast uncertainty over several announced and rumored projects, including new films directed by 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 joining Lucasfilm, Kennedy co-founded Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall. Her illustrious career includes producing legendary films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future, among other 90s classics, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.