Kathleen Kennedy Addresses Retirement Rumors, Reveals Star Wars Succession Strategy

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has addressed rumors suggesting her retirement is scheduled for later in 2025.

Earlier this week, Puck News reported that the veteran producer intends to step down at the conclusion of her current contract. The outlet also noted that Kennedy had previously considered retiring in 2024 but ultimately decided to delay a final decision.

Although Variety cited an insider describing Puck’s report as “pure speculation,” The Hollywood Reporter validated the story.

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Kennedy has now spoken for herself. According to Deadline, she is collaborating with Disney CEO Bob Iger on a succession plan after 13 years in the role, with current Lucasfilm chief creative officer and Star Wars Rebels creator Dave Filoni seemingly positioned as the frontrunner. Nevertheless, Kennedy emphasized: “The truth is, and I want to say it clearly, I am not retiring.”

“I will never retire from movies,” she added. “I will die making movies. That’s the most important thing to know right now. I am not stepping away.”

While confirming that Lucasfilm plans to announce a successor several months or even a year in advance, Kennedy affirmed she remains committed to her position at Lucasfilm. This includes producing the upcoming Mandalorian film and a new Star Wars movie directed by Shawn Levy of Deadpool & Wolverine.

It appears highly likely that Kennedy will eventually relinquish her role as Lucasfilm president, but this does not signal an exit from the company or the filmmaking industry.

“I’m not going to be here forever,” she explained. “George [Lucas] invited me in 13 years ago to take over, and now I am evaluating who should follow me. As mentioned, we have a strong internal team ready to manage both business operations and creative development. The role has evolved significantly since I started; there was no streaming landscape then, nor were many of the initiatives we pursue today. So, the scope has expanded.”

Kathleen Kennedy at the launch of Disney+ Star Wars show the Acolyte. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney.Kennedy also refuted claims that she is being “pushed aside” or requires replacement, calling such notions “absolutely not the case” and “far from the truth.” Her leadership has spanned the sequel trilogy (Episodes 7-9) and launched Star Wars’ streaming era with series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte. While blockbusters such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens achieved massive success, other projects have faced mixed reactions, with some like Solo: A Star Wars Story underperforming financially.

When asked directly if she would step down from her role at Lucasfilm this year, Kennedy admitted uncertainty but confirmed the move would be “100% my decision.” She declined to specify whether Filoni is indeed next in line for the top position.