Austin, Texas – After serving as the head of Lucasfilm for over a decade, Kathleen Kennedy has announced her plans to retire by the end of 2025, as reported by Puck. Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012, taking over the reins from Star Wars creator George Lucas after Disney acquired the company for $4 billion.

During her tenure, Kennedy oversaw the relaunch of the Star Wars franchise with films like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015, which became a global box office success. However, the franchise faced challenges with movies like “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which received mixed reviews and did not perform as well financially as its predecessor.

Despite the ups and downs of the Star Wars movies, the franchise found success on the streaming service Disney+ with shows like “The Mandalorian.” Kennedy’s departure comes at a time when Lucasfilm is gearing up for new projects, including the release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” in 2026.

Throughout her career, Kennedy has been involved in producing numerous iconic films, collaborating with industry legends like Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall. With over 70 films under her belt and eight Oscar nominations, Kennedy leaves behind a legacy of significant contributions to the film industry.

The news of Kennedy’s retirement coincides with the upcoming Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, where fans anticipate learning about the future of the franchise. As Kennedy prepares to step down, the film world awaits the next chapter in the ever-evolving Star Wars saga.