Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy Responds to Retirement Reports, Confirms Star Wars Succession Plan

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy addresses retirement rumors, clarifying her future with the company. Recent reports suggesting her imminent retirement in late 2025 have prompted a direct response. While some outlets reported her departure as "pure speculation," others confirmed the possibility.

Earlier reports indicated Kennedy had considered retirement in 2024 but postponed a decision. Now, Kennedy herself has stated definitively, "The truth is, and I want to just say loud and clear, I am not retiring. I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies."

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Kennedy confirmed collaboration with Disney CEO Bob Iger on a succession plan, acknowledging the need for a future leader after 13 years at the helm. Dave Filoni, creator of Star Wars Rebels and Lucasfilm's chief creative officer, is reportedly a strong contender. However, Kennedy emphasized her continued involvement in Lucasfilm, including producing the upcoming Mandalorian movie and a Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy.

While a future departure is acknowledged ("I’m not going to be here forever"), Kennedy denies being forced out or needing replacement, calling such suggestions "absolutely not the case." Her tenure has overseen the sequel trilogy (Episodes 7-9), the launch of the Star Wars streaming era (The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte), and both blockbuster successes and more divisive projects.

Regarding a specific timeline for stepping down, Kennedy stated she doesn't know "at this stage" but confirmed the decision will be "100% my decision." She declined to comment on Filoni's prospects for the top job.