Kathleen Kennedy Plans Retirement from Lucasfilm by 2025

Kathleen Kennedy, who has led Lucasfilm since 2012, is reportedly set to retire by the end of 2025, marking a significant transition for the iconic studio known for the Star Wars franchise. During her tenure, she oversaw the relaunch of Star Wars with The Force Awakens, which grossed over $2 billion, but faced challenges including mixed receptions for subsequent films and the cancellation of various projects. While Kennedy has been praised for expanding the franchise into successful streaming series like The Mandalorian, her leadership has also drawn criticism for perceived mismanagement and the diluting of the franchise's magic due to rapid expansion. Potential successors include John Favreau and Dave Filoni, with Filoni being a fan favorite and reportedly a strong contender for the role. The news of her retirement has sparked varied reactions among fans, reflecting the divisive nature of her time at the helm of Lucasfilm. Official comments from Lucasfilm regarding her retirement plans have yet to be released.