David Bridges
Kathleen Kennedy’s Continued Leadership in Filmmaking and Succession Planning at Lucasfilm
Kathleen Kennedy is not stepping away from the world of filmmaking anytime soon. Instead, she is actively seeking potential successors to take over her role at Lucasfilm. This important revelation emerged from an exclusive interview with the president of Lucasfilm, shedding light on her future plans and the direction of the company.
Clarifying Rumors: Kennedy’s Commitment to Filmmaking and Future Plans
Recently, rumors circulated that Kennedy might retire from her role at Lucasfilm by the end of 2025. In an interview with Deadline, the esteemed producer emphasized, “I am not retiring. I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies.” She elaborated on her discussions with Disney’s Bob Iger and Alan Bergman about potential succession plans, highlighting her commitment to the creative aspects of filmmaking and her ongoing involvement in the industry.
Succession Discussions: Preparing for the Future of Lucasfilm
Kennedy expressed the importance of discussing potential succession for the last couple of years, recognizing that she won’t be at the helm of Lucasfilm indefinitely. She reflected on her journey since George Lucas entrusted her with the company 13 years ago and acknowledged the increased complexity of the role, particularly with the advent of streaming services and other business avenues that have emerged. “We have a bench of people internally to handle the business and the creative side,” she noted, indicating confidence in the future leadership.
Exciting Future Projects: What’s Next for the Star Wars Franchise
While Kennedy refrained from naming specific successors, she did share exciting updates about the future of Star Wars. The next film, featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, is set to release in 2026. Furthermore, she confirmed that Shawn Levy’s upcoming movie, which may star Ryan Gosling, will follow, set in a timeline about five or six years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Kennedy is producing both films, showcasing her ongoing dedication to the franchise.
New Creative Directions: Simon Kinberg and Future Sagas
Kennedy shared that Simon Kinberg has begun writing for his trilogy, which she describes as “the next iteration, the new saga that moves us into the future.” This statement indicates a pivotal shift in storytelling within the Star Wars universe, aiming to engage fans with fresh perspectives and narratives. While she didn’t mention the movie featuring Daisy Ridley, Kennedy did confirm that James Mangold’s project is still developing alongside Taika Waititi’s film, which is in the script stage. “I keep waiting for Taika, and he is working with another writer now,” she added, expressing enthusiasm for the creative process.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation for Future Announcements
In summary, the reports surrounding Kennedy’s retirement were not entirely accurate but hinted at significant changes ahead for Lucasfilm. As we eagerly await more information, it’s anticipated that updates regarding Shawn Levy’s film will be shared at the upcoming Star Wars Celebration, promising an exciting future for the beloved franchise.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Daniel Mercer
