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Kathleen Kennedy Addresses Retirement Rumors, Reveals Star Wars Succession Strategy

Author : Joseph Update : May 22,2025

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has responded to reports suggesting she will retire in 2025, firmly stating, "The truth is, and I want to just say loud and clear, I am not retiring." Amid speculation fueled by a report from Puck News, which claimed Kennedy was set to retire at the end of her contract this year, and had previously considered retiring in 2024, Kennedy clarified her stance on her future at Lucasfilm.

According to Deadline, Kennedy is collaborating with Disney CEO Bob Iger on a succession plan, marking her 13th year at the helm. Star Wars Rebels creator and current Lucasfilm chief creative officer Dave Filoni is reportedly in a "strong position" to succeed her. Despite this, Kennedy emphasized her passion for filmmaking, declaring, "I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies. That is the first thing that’s important to say."

While Kennedy acknowledged that Lucasfilm plans to announce a succession "months or a year down the road," she affirmed her ongoing commitment to the company. She will continue producing projects such as the upcoming Mandalorian movie and a Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy, known for Deadpool & Wolverine.

Kennedy also addressed rumors of being "pushed aside" or "in need of being replaced," dismissing them as "absolutely not the case" and "could not be further from the truth." She highlighted her significant contributions to Lucasfilm, including overseeing the sequel trilogy (Star Wars Episodes 7-9) and launching the franchise's streaming era with shows like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte.

When directly asked by Deadline about stepping down as Lucasfilm president this year, Kennedy responded that she didn't know "at this stage," but assured that any decision would be "100% my decision." She did not confirm whether Filoni would take over her role.