A monumental shift is underway at Lucasfilm, signaling a new chapter for the beloved Star Wars universe. Effective January 15, 2026, Kathleen Kennedy, who has skillfully guided the studio for nearly 14 years, is stepping down from her role as President. Her departure marks the culmination of a meticulously planned two-year transition alongside Disney leadership. Taking the reins are two seasoned Lucasfilm veterans: Dave Filoni, ascending to President and Chief Creative Officer, and Lynwen Brennan, who will serve as Co-President. This dual leadership model, reminiscent of structures seen in other major studios, aims to balance creative vision with robust operational strategy as the franchise charts its course forward.
A New Era Dawns for Lucasfilm
The announcement from Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Studios confirms a significant evolution in the studio’s executive structure. Kathleen Kennedy, handpicked by George Lucas himself, will transition back to her passion for full-time producing. She remains involved with key upcoming feature films, including “The Mandalorian and Grogu” and “Star Wars: Starfighter.” This move paves the way for a dynamic leadership duo poised to steer Lucasfilm into its next generation of storytelling across film, television, and beyond.
Dave Filoni’s promotion to President and Chief Creative Officer positions him at the forefront of the Star Wars narrative. Filoni has an deep connection to the franchise’s creative core. His journey began in 2005, working closely with George Lucas to build the Lucasfilm animation department. He notably shaped “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” a series that redefined animated storytelling within the galaxy far, far away. More recently, he was instrumental alongside Jon Favreau in launching the highly successful live-action Star Wars series, including “The Mandalorian.” Filoni’s profound understanding of Star Wars mythology makes him a natural fit for guiding the creative direction of the expansive universe.
Joining Filoni is Lynwen Brennan, stepping into the role of Co-President. Brennan brings over two decades of strategic and operational expertise to the table. Her tenure with Lucasfilm dates back to 1999, starting at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). There, she ascended to lead the visual effects powerhouse in 2009. Later, as Lucasfilm’s General Manager and President of Lucasfilm Business, she guided the company through significant technological shifts. Her proven leadership in business strategy and production will be crucial in supporting Filoni’s creative vision. This collaborative structure, leveraging Filoni’s artistic prowess and Brennan’s strategic acumen, aims to provide Lucasfilm with a strong foundation for future growth.
Kennedy’s Enduring Legacy: A Decade of Transformation
Kathleen Kennedy’s 14-year tenure as Lucasfilm President began in 2012. Her appointment followed Disney’s momentous $4.05 billion acquisition of the studio. During her time, she oversaw a period of immense expansion and financial success for Star Wars. Under her stewardship, five feature films collectively grossed nearly $6 billion worldwide. This era famously kicked off with J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015. That film shattered box office records, earning over $2 billion globally and becoming the highest-grossing film in North America at the time. Subsequent Skywalker saga entries like “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker,” along with the standalone “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” also achieved billion-dollar milestones.
Beyond the big screen, Kennedy spearheaded Lucasfilm’s strategic pivot into streaming content. This move proved pivotal for Disney+, with “The Mandalorian” becoming a flagship series upon the platform’s 2019 debut. This success paved the way for a wave of popular live-action Star Wars shows. These included “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Ahsoka,” and the critically acclaimed “Andor.” These television endeavors garnered Lucasfilm an impressive 85 Emmy nominations. The animation division also flourished, producing “Star Wars Rebels,” “The Bad Batch,” “Tales of the Jedi,” and “Visions.” Kennedy’s vision also extended to immersive experiences, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge theme park expansions and innovative Lucasfilm Games titles.
However, Kennedy’s leadership was not without its challenges. The Star Wars sequel trilogy, while financially successful, generated significant debate among long-time fans. “The Last Jedi” proved particularly divisive, and “The Rise of Skywalker” received a mixed reception from critics and fans alike. Production struggles, such as the mid-production director change for “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” also garnered public attention. Reports of shelved projects and “vocal displeasure from segments of fandom” highlighted the complexities of managing such an iconic and passionately followed franchise. Despite these hurdles, Kennedy’s strategic direction revitalized Star Wars after a decade-long cinematic hiatus and established a robust streaming presence. Her efforts expanded the franchise’s reach and brought in a new generation of fans. Dave Filoni himself acknowledged her contribution, praising her for overseeing “the greatest expansion in Star Wars storytelling on-screen that we have ever seen.”
Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan: Forging the Path Ahead
Dave Filoni’s journey with Star Wars is legendary among fans. Starting with “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” he became a key custodian of George Lucas’s original vision. His subsequent work on “Star Wars Rebels” and his pivotal role in launching “The Mandalorian” cemented his status. Filoni is currently showrunner for “Ahsoka,” now in production for its second season. He is also collaborating with Jon Favreau on the upcoming feature film “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” His deep narrative sensibility and proven track record with diverse Star Wars projects position him as a compelling creative leader.
Lynwen Brennan’s extensive experience at ILM and Lucasfilm makes her an ideal operational counterpart. She has guided the company through transformative technological advancements. Her leadership has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Visual Effects Society and the honor of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Brennan’s strategic oversight will ensure the seamless execution of Lucasfilm’s ambitious projects. Her ability to navigate complex business landscapes complements Filoni’s creative drive. Together, their combined experience, totaling over 30 years in senior executive roles, forms a powerful foundation for Lucasfilm’s future.
Both Filoni and Brennan expressed their excitement and gratitude for this new chapter. Filoni remarked on his love of storytelling shaped by Kennedy and Lucas. He thanked them, Bob Iger, and Alan Bergman for the opportunity to lead the studio. Brennan echoed this sentiment, highlighting Lucasfilm as a “community of inspiring storytellers with a rebel spirit.” She expressed unwavering faith in Filoni’s creative vision. Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, both expressed deep gratitude for Kennedy’s leadership. They also voiced strong confidence in Filoni’s storytelling brilliance and Brennan’s innovative business leadership to drive Lucasfilm forward.
What’s Next for the Galaxy Far, Far Away?
The new leadership signals a strategic evolution for Lucasfilm. With Kennedy’s continued involvement as a producer on upcoming films, there’s a blend of continuity and fresh perspective. “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” set for a May 22, 2026 theatrical release, will be Lucasfilm’s first major cinematic offering since 2019. This film, along with Shawn Levy’s “Star Wars: Starfighter” (May 28, 2027), represents the immediate future of Star Wars on the big screen.
Under Filoni and Brennan, the studio is poised to further develop its cinematic slate while continuing to build on its successful streaming ventures. Upcoming projects include the animated series “Maul: Shadow Lord” and the second season of “Ahsoka.” The dual-leadership model is designed to foster a balanced approach, where artistic integrity meets strategic execution. This structure promises to deliver compelling narratives that honor the rich legacy of Star Wars while exploring new horizons within its vast galaxy. Fans can anticipate a dedicated focus on coherent storytelling and a renewed effort to deliver the “big-screen magic” that has defined the franchise for decades. This transition marks a pivotal moment, shaping the destiny of one of the most beloved entertainment properties in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new leadership structure at Lucasfilm following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure?
Following Kathleen Kennedy stepping down, Lucasfilm will be led by a dual-leadership team. Dave Filoni has been appointed President and Chief Creative Officer, overseeing the creative vision for all Star Wars and Lucasfilm projects. Lynwen Brennan will serve as Co-President, focusing on business operations, strategic execution, and the technological advancements across the studio. This structure aims to combine Filoni’s deep creative expertise with Brennan’s proven operational leadership, building on their more than 30 years of combined senior executive experience at the company.
What major Star Wars projects are confirmed under the new Lucasfilm leadership?
Under the new leadership, several major Star Wars projects are already in various stages of development or production. Kathleen Kennedy will continue as a producer for two significant upcoming feature films: “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” directed by Jon Favreau and slated for May 22, 2026, and “Star Wars: Starfighter,” helmed by Shawn Levy and set for May 28, 2027. Additionally, the second season of the popular Disney+ series “Ahsoka” is in production, and a new animated series titled “Maul: Shadow Lord” is also anticipated. This slate suggests a continued focus on both theatrical releases and strong streaming content.
How might this leadership change impact the creative direction of Star Wars?
The transition to Dave Filoni as Chief Creative Officer is expected to significantly influence the creative direction of Star Wars. Given Filoni’s deep involvement with George Lucas on “The Clone Wars” and his instrumental role in successful live-action series like “The Mandalorian,” many fans anticipate a storytelling approach that more closely aligns with established Star Wars lore and character development. His creative leadership, combined with Lynwen Brennan’s strategic business oversight, suggests a future focused on consistent narrative quality across all platforms, balancing fan expectations with innovative new stories. This dual leadership structure aims to provide both creative stability and operational agility for the franchise.
The new leadership at Lucasfilm represents an exciting evolution for the Star Wars universe. With Dave Filoni guiding the creative vision and Lynwen Brennan driving operational excellence, the studio is well-positioned for its next chapter. Kathleen Kennedy’s legacy of expanding the franchise into new realms, both financially and creatively, provides a strong foundation. As Lucasfilm looks to the future, fans can anticipate compelling storytelling that honors the saga’s rich history while boldly venturing into uncharted territory. May the Force be with them.
