Dave Filoni Named Lucasfilm President Following Kennedy’s Transition
Lucasfilm announced a major leadership transition Friday as Dave Filoni assumes the role of President and Chief Creative Officer, while Kathleen Kennedy steps down after 14 years leading the studio to return to full-time producing.
Lynwen Brennan will serve as Co-President alongside Filoni, bringing more than 30 years of combined senior executive experience to guide the company’s next creative chapter. The pair’s collaboration marks a significant shift in the entertainment studio’s direction as it embarks on new Star Wars projects and theatrical releases.
Kennedy’s Legacy and New Direction
Kennedy, who led Lucasfilm since George Lucas’s retirement, oversaw a historic expansion of Star Wars storytelling that included billion-dollar box office successes like The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. She will transition to producing upcoming feature films, including The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter.
“It has been a true privilege to spend more than a decade working alongside the extraordinary talent at Lucasfilm,” Kennedy said in a statement, highlighting the studio’s creative achievements under her leadership.
Filoni’s Path to the Top
Filoni, who joined Lucasfilm in 2005, has been instrumental in shaping the studio’s creative vision. Working closely with George Lucas, he established the company’s animation department and expanded Star Wars into acclaimed series including The Clone Wars and Rebels. His work has earned multiple Emmy Awards and nominations.
Currently serving as showrunner for The Mandalorian, Filoni is also collaborating with Jon Favreau on the upcoming feature film Ahsoka, which debuts in theaters May 22, 2026.
“My love of storytelling was shaped by the films of Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas,” Filoni said. “I am incredibly grateful to Kathy, George, Bob Iger and Alan Bergman for their trust and the opportunity to lead Lucasfilm in this new role.”
A Smooth Transition
Brennan echoed her commitment to the studio’s legacy, stating: “Lucasfilm has played such a meaningful part in my life. It’s a community of inspiring storytellers with a rebel spirit like no other, and I am honored to join Dave Filoni in leading us forward.”
Disney leadership expressed confidence in the new direction. “The studio remains in extraordinarily capable hands with Dave Filoni, who’s a brilliant storyteller, and Lynwen Brennan, an avid innovator and business leader,” a spokesperson said.
