Kathleen Kennedy to Retire from Lucasfilm in 2025

According to a report by Puck News, Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, is planning to step down by the end of 2025. The veteran film producer, who joined Lucasfilm in 2012 as co-chair alongside George Lucas, has been at the helm since Lucas's departure. Kennedy's current contract is set to expire this year, and while she had previously contemplated retirement in 2024, she decided to delay her decision. However, a source close to Kennedy told Variety that the story about her stepping down is "pure speculation," while The Hollywood Reporter has corroborated Puck's report.

During her tenure, Kennedy has overseen the production of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, which includes Episodes 7-9, and spearheaded the franchise's expansion into streaming with series such as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Key, and more. While some projects like "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" have been massive successes, others, such as "Solo: A Star Wars Story," faced financial challenges at the box office.

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If Kennedy does indeed step down, it could impact a range of 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 yet to fully come to fruition. Upcoming Star Wars projects also include "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 impressive resume includes producing iconic films like E.T., Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and other 90s classics, earning her eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture.