Who succeeds Kathleen Kennedy at Lucasfilm?

A Legacy of Triumphs and Turmoil, But Who Can Replace Her?

Kathleen Kennedy, the long-standing president of Lucasfilm, has all but confirmed that she will be stepping down from her role in the near future, marking the end of a transformative yet polarizing era for the studio. Since taking the helm in 2012 following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, Kennedy has overseen a period of significant expansion for the Star Wars franchise and the Indiana Jones series. As she prepares to exit, her legacy is a complex tapestry of groundbreaking achievements, box office disappointments, and fervent fan debates, with speculation now turning to her potential successors: Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Carrie Beck, Emma Watts, Jeff Small, Kevin Feige, and Ben Stiller.

Kennedy’s Legacy: A Ride of Highs and Lows

Kennedy’s tenure began with high expectations, given her storied career as a producer on classics like E.T., Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List. Her appointment by George Lucas himself signaled a commitment to preserving the spirit of his creations while ushering them into a new era. Under her leadership, Lucasfilm delivered Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), a colossal hit that grossed over $2 billion worldwide and revitalized the franchise for a new generation. The success of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) further showcased her ability to expand the universe beyond the Skywalker Saga.

However, Kennedy’s legacy is not without its controversies. Films like The Last Jedi (2017) divided fans with its bold narrative choices and what would become a controversial director choice, earning vocal backlash from segments of the Star Wars fandom. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) became the first Star Wars film to lose money, and The Rise of Skywalker (2019) was criticized for its perceived attempt to placate detractors at the expense of cohesive storytelling. Beyond the big screen, Disney+ series such as The Acolyte struggled with fan approval and Skeleton Crew struggled with viewership, while Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) underperformed altogether, casting doubts on her stewardship of Lucasfilm’s broader portfolio. Accusations of pushing a “woke agenda” further fueled fan discontent, making her a lightning rod for criticism despite her undeniable contributions.

On the positive side, Kennedy’s pivot to streaming with The Mandalorian, helmed by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, proved a masterstroke, introducing Baby Yoda to the world and cementing Lucasfilm’s presence in the streaming era. Her 13-year tenure broadened the scope of Star Wars, greenlighting diverse projects and nurturing new talent, even if the results were inconsistent.

Potential Replacements: Who Will Lead Lucasfilm Next?

As Kennedy’s departure looms, seven names stand out as potential successors, each bringing unique strengths—and challenges—to the role.

Jon Favreau

Favreau’s track record speaks volumes. As the creator of The Mandalorian, he demonstrated an intuitive grasp of what casual and diehard Star Wars fans crave, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling. His experience directing blockbusters like Iron Man and producing hits across Disney’s portfolio makes him a seasoned leader capable of steering Lucasfilm’s cinematic ambitions. However, Favreau thrives as a creative force, not a corporate manager. Transitioning to a desk job overseeing budgets and studio politics might stifle his hands-on filmmaking passion, potentially leaving him disengaged from the executive grind.

Dave Filoni

A protégé of George Lucas, Filoni is revered by fans for his work on The Clone Wars, Rebels, and Ahsoka. As Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Officer, he’s already shaping the franchise’s narrative direction, offering a deep understanding of its mythology. His appointment would signal continuity and fan goodwill. However, much like Favreau, Filoni’s strength lies in storytelling, not corporate leadership. His mixed reception with Ahsoka suggests he may struggle to balance creative vision with the broader managerial demands of running a studio, potentially alienating casual audiences.

Carrie Beck

As a key executive producer on The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and other Disney+ series, Beck has quietly risen as a stabilizing force at Lucasfilm. Her behind-the-scenes expertise in production and development offers a steady hand to guide the studio’s multifaceted projects, appealing to Disney’s desire for operational efficiency. However, Beck lacks the public profile and creative clout of Favreau or Filoni, which could hinder her ability to rally fans or assert bold artistic direction, risking a tenure perceived as overly cautious or bureaucratic.

Emma Watts

Watts brings a wealth of experience from her time as president of production and vice chairman at 20th Century Fox, where she oversaw hits like Avatar, Deadpool, and The Martian. Her proven ability to manage major franchises and foster talent relationships could revitalize Lucasfilm’s theatrical output while maintaining its streaming success. However, Watts has little direct experience with Star Wars, and her focus on big-budget theatrical releases might clash with Disney’s growing emphasis on streaming, potentially leading to a disconnect with the franchise’s evolving audience.

Jeff Small

As CEO of Amblin Partners, Small has worked closely with Steven Spielberg, co-managing projects like West Side Story and The Fabelmans. His experience balancing creative legacies with modern production demands could bring a disciplined yet respectful approach to Lucasfilm, strengthening ties with its Indiana Jones roots while supporting Star Wars growth. However, Small’s background is more rooted in traditional filmmaking than the franchise-driven, IP-heavy world of Disney and Lucasfilm. His lack of deep Star Wars familiarity might slow his ability to connect with its passionate fanbase or navigate its sprawling mythology.

Kevin Feige

The architect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Feige has an unparalleled track record of turning sprawling franchises into cultural juggernauts. His knack for cohesive storytelling, fan engagement, and strategic planning could bring a unified vision to Star Wars, potentially elevating Lucasfilm to new heights. Already involved with a Star Wars film in development, he’s no stranger to the galaxy far, far away. However, Feige’s plate is already full with Marvel, and splitting his focus between two massive franchises could stretch him thin, risking burnout or neglect of one universe in favor of the other.

Ben Stiller

Known for directing and starring in hits like Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, Severance, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Stiller brings a unique blend of comedic sensibility and creative vision. His experience managing large-scale productions and appealing to broad audiences could inject fresh energy into Lucasfilm, potentially revitalizing Star Wars with a lighter, more accessible tone. However, Stiller has no prior experience with Star Wars or franchise management on this scale. His comedic background might clash with the franchise’s epic, dramatic roots, risking a tonal misstep that could alienate its core fanbase. But I wouldn’t dwell too much on this with how well he is managing Severance.

The Road Ahead

Kathleen Kennedy’s exit marks a pivotal moment for Lucasfilm, closing a chapter defined by ambitious swings, some soaring successes, and notable missteps. Whether Favreau’s populist touch, Filoni’s lore-driven passion, Beck’s understated competence, Watts’ blockbuster expertise, Small’s legacy-minded stewardship, Feige’s franchise mastery, or Stiller’s creative wildcard takes the reins, the next president will inherit a franchise at a crossroads, poised for reinvention yet burdened by sky-high expectations. As of March 4, 2025, the galaxy far, far away awaits its new emperor, with fans and insiders alike watching closely.