Kathleen Kennedy, the long-serving steward of the Star Wars universe, is stepping down from her role at Lucasfilm. The Walt Disney Company confirmed the major leadership change on Thursday 15 January 2026, marking the end of an era for one of cinema's most iconic franchises.
A Transformative Tenure Comes to an End
Kennedy's departure concludes a tenure lasting more than 13 years at the helm of the company founded by George Lucas. She was personally chosen by Lucas as his successor and has presided over the vast science-fiction empire since Disney's landmark acquisition in 2012 for $4.05 billion.
Her leadership oversaw a period of immense commercial success and significant expansion. Under her watch, Lucasfilm generated over $5.6 billion at the global box office and played a pivotal role in establishing Disney+ as a major streaming destination. This included the production of a blockbuster sequel trilogy and highly praised streaming series such as The Mandalorian and Andor.
However, her time in charge was not without its challenges. Kennedy's era was often contentious, with some long-time fans expressing increasing frustration. A recurring criticism was the struggle to recapture the big-screen magic of George Lucas's original trilogy from the late 1970s and early 1980s, making her relationship with the franchise's loyal fanbase a complex saga in itself.
A New Dual Leadership for Star Wars
Disney has announced that the future of Star Wars will now be guided by a dual leadership team. Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan will inherit the mantle of steering the franchise into its sixth decade and beyond.
Lynwen Brennan, the President and General Manager of Lucasfilm's businesses, is seen as the more financially focused executive. Dave Filoni, previously the Chief Creative Officer, will take the creative reins. Filoni is a veteran of the Star Wars galaxy, having entered it with the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He first collaborated with George Lucas on Avatar: The Last Airbender and has served as an executive producer on several live-action Disney+ series including The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and the upcoming Skeleton Crew.
His appointment marks a significant shift, as Filoni has built his reputation almost entirely on the small screen. His sole live-action series as creator, Ahsoka, received a tepid response, placing a spotlight on his new challenge to deliver across all mediums.
Legacy and the Path Forward
Kennedy's legacy is one of formidable commercial achievement that validated Disney's massive investment, yet it is also defined by a divided fan reception. The transition to Filoni and Brennan represents a clear strategic move: combining Brennan's operational and financial acumen with Filoni's deep, fan-respected understanding of Star Wars lore.
This new chapter aims to unite the franchise's commercial power with a creative direction that hopes to satisfy its passionate global audience. The eyes of the entertainment world will now be on how this new leadership navigates the future of this beloved but demanding cinematic universe.
