Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy Reportedly Retiring at the End of 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," while The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated Puck's claims, adding credibility to the news.

Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012 as a co-chair selected by George Lucas himself. Following Lucas's departure, she was promoted to president, taking the helm of the Star Wars franchise. Under her leadership, Lucasfilm has produced the sequel trilogy, including Star Wars Episodes 7-9, and spearheaded the franchise's expansion into streaming with successful 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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Although not officially confirmed, Kennedy's potential departure raises questions about the future of several announced and rumored projects. These include new films directed by James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Donald Glover, as well as an untitled Rey movie that has been announced but is still in development. 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.