Kathleen Kennedy on Board to Pilot Lucasfilm into Another Galaxy Far Far Away for Another Three Years

Kathleen Kennedy will be continuing on as the president of Lucasfilm for another three years. The Walt Disney Company has extended the relationship with Kennedy in a move that is seen as a vote of confidence. Kennedy was brought in to lead Lucasfilm after Disney purchased it from George Lucas in 2012. Since then she has led Lucasfilm as it created four new Star Wars films that have grossed almost $4.5 billion worldwide.

While overall, the performance of Star Wars under Kennedy’s leadership has been good, it hasn’t been without controversy. Three movies have had their directors replaced during the course of her leadership. Gareth Edwards was effectively replaced by Tony Gilroy for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. In this case, Edwards still retained a director credit. Chris Lord and Phil Miller were replaced by Ron Howard for Solo: A Star Wars Story. Star Wars: Episode IX found Colin Trevorrow being fired and then replaced by J.J. Abrams.

As Lucasfilm moves forward under Kennedy’s leadership, there are lots of unknowns. What the future looks like for Star Wars under her leadership is uncertain. This uncertainty has been magnified by the vocal minority that has attacked both Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story. As Star Wars moves forward, there will be more movies but also more television. Star Wars: Resistance starts this month. Jon Favreau is also working on a live-action Star Wars television show. This is just the beginning though as Disney launches its streaming service next year. It can be assumed that more content will continue to be needed and created from Lucasfilm and the rest of the Walt Disney Company.

Beyond Star Wars, Kennedy is also working on the next Indiana Jones movie in the franchise. It is set to be directed by Steven Spielberg with Harrison Ford reprising the role he originated. This movie is set to be released in July 2021. She has a fantastic history with movies. She was a co-founder of Amblin Entertainment with Steven Spielberg. She also has worked on movies like E.T. the Extra-TerrestrialBack to the Future and Jurassic Park, along with  Schindler’s ListMunich, War Horse and Lincoln. Last month she and her husband Frank Marshall received the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Irving G. Thalberg Award. This is given for “body of work reflect a consistently high quality of motion picture production.” The award will be given at the 10th annual Governors Awards on Nov. 18.

What do you think of Kathleen Kennedy’s contract extension? Do you think she is the best person to be president of Lucasfilm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!


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