Kathleen Kennedy is leaving the building. For real this time.
After fourteen years of steering the most scrutinised ship in Hollywood history, the woman George Lucas handpicked to run Lucasfilm is stepping down. It’s official. As of January 2026, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan are taking the keys to the Millennium Falcon.
Honestly, the internet is reacting exactly how you’d expect: half the galaxy is cheering like they just blew up a Death Star, and the other half is wondering if we’re about to lose the only person who actually knew how to get a billion-dollar movie into a theater.
Kennedy’s tenure with Kathleen Kennedy Star Wars projects has been nothing short of a decade-long lightning rod. She’s been called a visionary. She’s been called a franchise-killer. But if you actually look at the numbers and the scripts left on her desk, the reality is way messier than a Twitter rant.
The $6 Billion Problem
Let's talk money. People love to say she "ruined" the brand, but the bank account says something else entirely. Under Kennedy’s watch, the theatrical films raked in over $6 billion.
- The Force Awakens alone cleared $2 billion.
- Rogue One and The Last Jedi both sailed past the billion-dollar mark.
- She turned a $4 billion acquisition price into a profit center within a few years.
But there's a "but." A big one.
While the cash was flowing, the creative foundation was shaking. You’ve probably heard the stories of "director musical chairs." It became a meme. Phil Lord and Chris Miller were booted from Solo. Colin Trevorrow was swapped for J.J. Abrams on Episode IX. Josh Trank vanished. Stephen Daldry’s Boba Fett movie became a show.
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This is where the "stewardship" argument gets tricky. Kennedy is a legendary producer—we're talking E.T., Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List. She knows how to finish a movie. But Star Wars isn't just a movie; it's a religion. And the fans noticed when the "Nav Computer" seemed to be missing for the Sequel Trilogy.
What Really Happened with the Sequels?
The biggest knock against Kathleen Kennedy Star Wars era is the lack of a unified plan. It’s the elephant in the room.
In her recent exit interviews, Kennedy has been surprisingly candid. She admitted that Rian Johnson was "spooked" by the backlash to The Last Jedi. That’s a heavy word. Spooked. It explains why we never saw that Rian Johnson trilogy actually happen, even though it was announced nearly a decade ago.
She also recently confirmed that the "New Jedi Order" film starring Daisy Ridley is still alive, but it’s been through the ringer. Three writers have walked. Steven Knight left the project. Now George Nolfi is reportedly taking a crack at the script.
It feels like a pattern: announcement, hype, creative "differences," and then silence.
The Projects Left in the Dark
As she hands over the reins, Kennedy did a bit of a "desk clearing" reveal. Here’s the status of the stuff you’ve been wondering about:
- The Hunt for Ben Solo: This was a Steven Soderbergh and Adam Driver project. Kennedy says the script was "great," but it’s officially on the back burner.
- James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi: It’s "breaking the mold" but currently on hold.
- Taika Waititi’s Movie: She calls it "hilarious," but it’s up to Filoni now if it ever sees a camera.
- Simon Kinberg’s New Trilogy: This is the big one. Kennedy confirmed just days ago that Kinberg has turned in a 70-page treatment for a new trilogy set after Episode IX.
The "Mando" Miracle
If you hate the Sequels, you probably love The Mandalorian. That was Kennedy, too.
She’s the one who paired Jon Favreau with Dave Filoni. She’s the one who realized that if Star Wars was going to survive the "Solo" box office slump, it had to move to the small screen. The Mandalorian didn't just save Star Wars; it basically launched Disney+.
Without Kennedy’s pivot to TV, we wouldn't have Andor. Let’s be real: Andor is probably the best-written thing to ever have the Star Wars logo on it. It was a massive risk—a slow-burn political spy thriller with no Jedi. It didn't do "Baby Yoda" numbers, but it gave the franchise back its soul.
Why Filoni is the "Chosen One" (Maybe)
The promotion of Dave Filoni to President is what most fans have been begging for since 2015. He was George Lucas’s apprentice. He understands the "vibes" of the Force in a way a traditional suit never could.
But Filoni is a creative. Kennedy was a shield.
The job of running Lucasfilm involves dealing with Wall Street, Disney's board of directors, and the most toxic corners of the internet. Kennedy took all those hits. She was the face of every decision people hated so the directors could keep filming.
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Now, Filoni has to be the suit. It’ll be interesting to see if he can maintain his "fan-favorite" status once he’s the one having to cancel a project or delay a movie.
What’s Next?
So, where does this leave you, the fan?
The Kathleen Kennedy Star Wars era is ending with a very specific roadmap. We have The Mandalorian & Grogu hitting theaters in May 2026. Then we have Shawn Levy’s Starfighter movie starring Ryan Gosling (which sounds wild) in 2027.
Kennedy isn't disappearing entirely; she’s still listed as a producer on the next two films. It’s a soft exit.
Actionable Insights for the Post-Kennedy Era
If you're trying to keep track of where the galaxy is headed, here is what you actually need to watch:
- Watch the Kinberg News: If Simon Kinberg’s script gets the green light in March 2026, that’s the future of the "Saga."
- Follow the "Mando-Verse" Finale: Dave Filoni’s upcoming movie is meant to tie together Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and Skeleton Crew. This is the litmus test for his leadership.
- Look for the "Acolyte" Lessons: The cancellation of The Acolyte after one season showed that Disney is no longer writing blank checks. Expect fewer, "safer" shows for a while.
Kennedy’s legacy is a paradox. She made Star Wars bigger than it ever was, but in doing so, she made it feel smaller to some. She leaves behind a studio that is incredibly profitable but creatively exhausted.
The "New Republic" of Lucasfilm starts now. Let’s see if they can keep the TIE Fighters at bay.
Stay tuned for the March script updates, as those will determine if we're getting a new trilogy or more years of development limbo.