Lucasfilm's New Era: Kennedy Steps Down, Kinberg Takes Center Stage
Lucasfilm is undergoing a major transition under new co-leaders Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan, who took over after Kathleen Kennedy stepped down as President. In her exit interview with Deadline in January 2026, Kennedy confirmed that she had been discussing succession plans for some time with former Disney CEO Bob Iger and current Disney Entertainment head Alan Bergman.
Kennedy made it clear that she has no intention of retiring from filmmaking, joking that she 'would die' making movies. However, Lucasfilm did confirm her departure as President.
The studio's most recent theatrical release was Jon Favreau's The Mandalorian and Grogu in 2026, but its poor box office performance may have put the future of Dave Filoni's next movie in jeopardy, especially considering his new role as co-lead. Meanwhile, Simon Kinberg's new post-Rise of Skywalker trilogy has emerged as Lucasfilm's central priority.
Kinberg confirmed on social media that he was at Skywalker Ranch, suggesting that the new sequel trilogy is moving forward, albeit with uncertainty surrounding the fate of Daisy Ridley's planned 'New Jedi Order' film. The Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23 Expo in Anaheim this weekend may provide further insight into Lucasfilm's creative direction.