"The Walt Disney Co. announced Thursday that it will now turn to Dave Filoni to steer "Star Wars," as president and chief creative officer, into its sixth decade and beyond. Filoni, who served as the chief commercial officer of Lucasfilm, will inherit the mantle of one of the movies marquee franchises, alongside Lynwen Brennan, president and general manager of Lucasfilm's businesses, who will serve as co-president."
""When George Lucas asked me to take over Lucasfilm upon his retirement, I couldn't have imagined what lay ahead," said Kennedy. "It has been a true privilege to spend more than a decade working alongside the extraordinary talent at Lucasfilm." Kennedy, Lucas' handpicked successor, had presided over the ever-expanding science-fiction world of "Star Wars" since Disney acquired it in 2012. In announcing Thursday's news, Bob Iger, chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Co. called her "a visionary filmmaker.""
"Under Kennedy's stewardship, Lucasfilm amassed more than $5.6 billion in box office and helped establish Disney+ as a streaming destination - achievements that easily validated the $4.05 billion Disney plunked down for the company. But Kennedy also struggled to deliver the big-screen magic that Lucas captured in the original trilogy from the late 1970s and early 1980s, and her relationship with "Star Wars" loyalists became a saga of its own."
Kathleen Kennedy is leaving her role after more than 13 years leading Lucasfilm. Dave Filoni will take over as president and chief creative officer to guide Star Wars into its sixth decade and beyond. Lynwen Brennan will serve as co-president and continue as president and general manager of Lucasfilm's businesses. Kennedy was George Lucas's handpicked successor and led the franchise since Disney's 2012 acquisition. Her tenure produced a blockbuster sequel trilogy and acclaimed streaming series including The Mandalorian and Andor. Lucasfilm earned more than $5.6 billion at the box office and helped establish Disney+ as a streaming destination. Fan frustration and uneven theatrical reception accompanied the commercial successes.
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