Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has addressed recent reports suggesting her retirement from the company in late 2025. Earlier reports in Puck News claimed Kennedy planned to retire at the end of her contract, following an earlier consideration in 2024. While Variety dismissed the reports as speculation, The Hollywood Reporter corroborated the claims.

Kennedy herself has now clarified the situation. According to Deadline, she's collaborating with Disney CEO Bob Iger on a succession plan after thirteen years at Lucasfilm. Dave Filoni, creator of Star Wars Rebels and Lucasfilm's current chief creative officer, is reportedly a strong contender for her position. However, Kennedy emphatically stated, “The truth is, and I want to just say loud and clear, I am not retiring.” She added, "I will never retire from movies. I will die making movies."

While Kennedy confirmed Lucasfilm intends to announce a succession plan in the coming months or year, she will remain with the company, overseeing projects including the upcoming Mandalorian movie and a Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy. She acknowledged her eventual departure, stating, “I’m not going to be here forever,” but emphasized that the timing of her stepping down from her current role as president is entirely her decision. She also highlighted the growth of Lucasfilm since she joined, noting the expansion into streaming and other new ventures.

Kennedy denied being pushed out or needing replacement, calling such suggestions untrue. Her tenure has overseen the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX), and the launch of the successful Star Wars streaming era, encompassing shows like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte. While some projects, like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, were box office successes, others have faced mixed reception, and some, such as Solo: A Star Wars Story, were financially unsuccessful.

When directly asked by Deadline if she would step down this year, Kennedy responded that she didn’t know at this stage, but it would be “100% my decision.” She declined to comment on whether Filoni was her successor.