Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down from Lucasfilm
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Jan 15, 2026 · Last updated Jan 16, 2026
The leadership change at The Walt Disney Company — Lucasfilm, with Kathleen Kennedy stepping down and Dave Filoni taking over, is expected to bring a new creative direction to the Star Wars franchise. This could positively impact The Walt Disney Company's stock as investors anticipate a revitalization of the film and streaming content, potentially boosting subscriber numbers for Disney+ and future box office revenues.
Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as president of The Walt Disney Company — Lucasfilm after more than 13 years, a period marked by significant box office success for the Star Wars franchise, including over $5.6 billion in revenue, and the establishment of Disney+ as a key streaming platform. Despite these achievements, her tenure faced criticism from some longtime fans regarding the direction of the films. The Walt Disney Company has appointed Dave Filoni, known for his work on successful streaming series like 'The Mandalorian', as the new president and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Company — Lucasfilm. Lynwen Brennan will serve as co-president, overseeing business operations. Kennedy will remain involved with The Walt Disney Company — Lucasfilm as a producer for upcoming projects. This transition aims to steer the Star Wars universe into its next phase, with a focus on both big-screen releases and continued streaming content.
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