Who to replace Kathleen Kennedy at the head of Star Wars? What vision for the saga?
George Lucas’ successor leaves leaving the Galaxy Far Far Away in a certain sidereal vacuum. The one who will take the controls of Lucasfilm has work to do.
There was “I am your father!“. There was the sale in Disney. And today, the shock in the world of Star Warsthis is the unexpected departure of Kathleen Kennedy. At the controls of the universe of George Lucas For almost 15 years, the executive will leave the presidency of Lucasfilm By the end of 2025. Under what conditions? And to make room for whom?
According to the indiscretions of Variety, a few hours after the announcement of his departure, Hollywood featured and many executives and creators made themselves known to succeed him. But Disney does not want any profile. The group that owns Lucasfilm and so Star Warswants the next boss of the galaxy to have a solid network among the directors and writers of the American industry, in order to rebuild the house Star Wars.
Because under Kennedy, the franchise has often stammered its cinema. The temple goalkeeper has often had trouble keeping his talents, or even working with the creatives: Guillermo del Toro, Damon Lindelof, Steven Knight, Patty Jenkins, Kevin Feige or Weiss & Benioff and DB have broken his teeth. We no longer count the projects that have been abandoned or altered. The successor will clearly have the priority mission to define a clear vision for the future of the saga, which seems in a sidereal void since The ascent of Skywalker in 2019.
So what profiles are mentioned?
Among the names expected at Disney and cited by Variety, we find Jon Favreau (The Mandalorian),, Dave Filoni (already creative director of Lucasfilm), but also David Heyman (producer of the cinema saga Harry Potter) And Mary Parent (producer of Pacific Rim, last Dune and others Godzilla). The name of Peter Riceformer Disney executive, ex-president of 21st Century Fox having launched the saga X-Men in 2000 – fired by the old Disney CEO in 2022 – and now producer of 28 years lateralso advances as an interesting experienced prospect, with many solid relationships in Hollywood. He would have this leader profile while certain creatives, such as the director Jon Favreaumight not want to trade their artistic freedom for a manager’s role.
What would mostly appeal to Disney is the idea of a pair in the manner of James Gunn And Peter Safran At DC Studios. Two -headed leadership led by Jon Favreau And Dave Filoni is designated by variety sources as the ideal team to resume Lucasfilm And put the franchise back on the rails.
Such a choice would then mark a form of continuity in the galaxy, since Favreau and Filoni already supervise the universe Star Wars On television since Bébé Yoda became Superstar. They are they who already produce all the series,Ahsoka has Skeleton Crew by the way The acolyteand they will overflow on the big screen with The Mandalorian & Groguonly new film Star Wars dated (for May 20, 2026) in dark rooms. Their appointment to the management of Lucasfilm would sound like a logical choicewhich would possibly find a certain consistency between films and series.
On the other hand, that would not mark not a breakupas required by many fans of Star Warswho would like the universe to regain its original charm.
In any case, with Favreau, Filoni or another, it seems very difficult at present to know which direction will take the franchise in the coming years.
Will the new boss continue the idea of a new trilogy of Simon Kinberg ? Will he confirm the return of Rey and Daisy Ridley In a new film Star Warsdirected by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy ? Will he go to the end of the project “25,000 years in the past”, being gestation at James Mangold ? The paths of the very lawy galaxy are more impenetrable than ever.
