Kathleen Kennedy Addresses Retirement Rumors, Confirms Star Wars Future

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has addressed recent reports suggesting her retirement from the company in late 2025. Earlier reports in Puck News claimed she was planning to retire at the end of her contract this year, following a previous consideration in 2024. While Variety dismissed the reports as speculation, The Hollywood Reporter corroborated the claims.

Kennedy herself has now clarified the situation. According to Deadline, she is collaborating with Disney CEO Bob Iger on a succession plan, with Dave Filoni, creator of Star Wars Rebels and Lucasfilm's chief creative officer, reportedly a strong contender to succeed her. However, Kennedy emphatically stated, “The truth is, and I want to just say loud and clear, I am not retiring.” She added, "I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies."

While acknowledging Lucasfilm intends to announce a succession plan in the coming months or year, Kennedy confirmed her continued employment at Lucasfilm, including overseeing production on the upcoming Mandalorian movie and a Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy. She emphasized that while she won’t remain in her current role indefinitely, the decision regarding her departure is entirely hers. “I’m not going to be here forever,” she stated, explaining that she is actively working on identifying her successor, noting the significant expansion of Lucasfilm’s operations since she assumed the presidency 13 years ago.

Kennedy also refuted suggestions that she is being forced out, asserting that such claims are completely false. Her leadership has overseen the new sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX), and the launch of the highly successful Star Wars streaming era, encompassing shows like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte. While acknowledging the mixed reception of some projects, she maintains firm control over her future at Lucasfilm.

When directly asked by Deadline if she will step down this year, Kennedy responded that she doesn't know at this stage, but that the decision will be entirely hers. She declined to comment on whether Filoni is the frontrunner for the position.