Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down As Lucasfilm President, Dave Filoni & Lynwen Brennan To Lead Studio

Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down this week as president of Lucasfilm after nearly 14 years leading the studio. She will remain involved with the company as a producer on its next two theatrical releases while also pursuing other producing projects independently.

Kennedy will produce The Mandalorian and Grogu, scheduled for release May 22, 2026, and Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, set for May 28, 2027. Both films are part of Lucasfilm’s upcoming theatrical slate and are already in active development.

Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan are replacing Kathleen Kennedy at Lucasfilm

Dave Filoni, currently executive vice president and chief creative officer of Lucasfilm, has been named president and chief creative officer. Lynwen Brennan, the studio’s president and general manager of Lucasfilm Business, has been appointed co-president.

The leadership changes have been planned over an extended period, according to the company, with the goal of ensuring continuity. Filoni and Brennan have worked closely with Kennedy since she joined Lucasfilm in 2012 and have held senior roles across the organization.

Filoni and Brennan are expected to share responsibilities across creative and business operations, bringing experience that spans film, television, animation, and studio management. Their roles are designed to reflect the breadth of Lucasfilm’s current and future projects.

Kennedy was selected by George Lucas to lead Lucasfilm in 2012, shortly before the company was acquired by Disney. In addition to the two upcoming films, Lucasfilm’s slate includes the animated series Maul: Shadow Lord, a second season of Ahsoka, and several films and series in development.

Stay tuned for the latest news regarding the future of the Star Wars universe!