LOS ANGELES, January 16, 2026 — A seismic shift is underway at Lucasfilm. After 14 years at the helm, President Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down to focus on producing, including the highly anticipated films The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter. But don’t worry, fans—this isn’t a power vacuum.
A New Era for a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Lucasfilm is undergoing a leadership transition, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan poised to guide the studio’s future.
- Dave Filoni, a key architect of the Star Wars animated universe, will become President and Chief Creative Officer.
- Lynwen Brennan will serve as Co-President, bringing extensive senior executive experience.
- Kennedy will return to her passion: producing, overseeing upcoming projects like The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter.
- The transition leverages over 30 years of combined leadership experience.
Dave Filoni, who collaborated closely with Star Wars creator George Lucas on the acclaimed animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, will assume the role of President and Chief Creative Officer. Filoni also played a pivotal role in launching the live-action Star Wars universe with The Mandalorian, alongside Jon Favreau. Alongside Filoni, Lynwen Brennan will serve as Co-President.
What does this leadership change mean for the future of Star Wars? The studio emphasizes that this transition is built on a strong foundation of creative vision and operational leadership. Filoni and Brennan’s combined experience—spanning more than three decades—is intended to ensure a smooth and innovative path forward for the franchise.
The announcement highlights the collaborative spirit that will define Lucasfilm’s next chapter. Both Filoni and Brennan have demonstrated a deep understanding of the Star Wars legacy and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Fans eager for more details can find the full announcement on StarWars.com.
