From ABC News: After more than 13 years at the helm of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from the “Star Wars” factory founded by George Lucas.
The Walt Disney Co. announced Thursday that it will now turn to Dave Filoni to steer “Star Wars” into its sixth decade and beyond. Filoni, who served as the chief commercial officer of Lucasfilm, and Lynwen Brennan, president and general manager of Lucasfilm’s businesses, will inherit the mantle of one of the movies’ marquee franchises.
Kennedy, Lucas’ handpicked successor, had presided over the ever-expanding science-fiction world of “Star Wars” since Disney acquired it in 2012. She oversaw a highly lucrative but often contentious period in “Star Wars” history that yielded a blockbuster trilogy and acclaimed streaming spinoffs such as “The Mandalorian” and “Andor,” yet found increasing frustration from longtime fans.
Kennedy led Lucasfilm as it made over $5.6 billion at the box office, but “Star Wars” loyalists resented some of the creative decisions and how they affected beloved characters and established storylines.
After destroying a beloved modern myth and replacing it with a 14-year, malice-filled tantrum against the patriarchy, Kathleen Kennedy is finally stepping down. Finally. pic.twitter.com/U70QMOuhhX
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) January 16, 2026
“After destroying a beloved modern myth and replacing it with a 14-year, malice-filled tantrum against the patriarchy, Kathleen Kennedy is finally stepping down. Finally,” wrote X user Joel Berry, Managing Editor of @TheBabylonBee.
After destroying a beloved modern myth and replacing it with a 14-year, malice-filled tantrum against the patriarchy, Kathleen Kennedy is finally stepping down. Finally. pic.twitter.com/U70QMOuhhX
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) January 16, 2026
Conservative Dave Rubin, host of The Rubin Report, wrote, “Incredible celebrations breaking out upon Kathleen Kennedy stepping down…”
Incredible celebrations breaking out upon Kathleen Kennedy stepping down… https://t.co/vBWqQGy3Ul pic.twitter.com/UKaa2VVQ9U
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) January 16, 2026
“Kathleen Kennedy no longer ruining my franchise Filoni taking us to the golden ages,” wrote another fan.
Kathleen Kennedy no longer ruining my franchise Filoni taking us to the golden ages https://t.co/EwglJMuLqv pic.twitter.com/T11eNsxdHn
— SS (@Sxkariya) January 15, 2026
Filoni and Brennan will share leadership, with Filoni taking the creative reins. He is behind the popular animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” and the less-appreciated Disney+ series “Ahsoka.” Filoni was also an executive producer on “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” and “Skeleton Crew.”
Brennan is a more financially oriented executive.
Read more at ABC News
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