Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan Step Up as Lucasfilm Co-Presidents
After 14 years at the helm, Kathleen Kennedy is leaving her post as Lucasfilm president, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan set to guide the Star Wars universe into its next era.
Kathleen Kennedy is preparing to hand over the reins at Lucasfilm after a lengthy tenure stretching back to 2012. She’s set to return to her roots as a producer, while Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan will jointly take on the top job, steering the future of the Star Wars saga.
Rumblings about a change in leadership had been circulating for weeks, so the official word comes as little surprise. Filoni, who’s been with the company since 2008, is no stranger to the galaxy far, far away. His early work on the animated series The Clone Wars saw him working closely with George Lucas himself, earning him the affectionate moniker of Lucas’s “Padawan.” Since then, he’s been at the creative heart of several major projects, including The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, both of which have found favour with fans and critics alike.
Filoni’s Journey from Apprentice to Leader
Filoni’s rise through the ranks has been anything but ordinary. Having started out under Lucas’s wing, he’s become a key architect of the modern Star Wars universe. In his own words:
“My love of storytelling was shaped by the films of Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas. I never dreamed I would be privileged to learn the craft of filmmaking from both of them. From Rey to Grogu, Kathy has overseen the greatest expansion in Star Wars storytelling onscreen that we have ever seen. 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, doing a job I truly love. May the Force be with you.”
His creative vision has been instrumental in shaping the direction of recent Star Wars stories, and his appointment as co-president signals a continued commitment to the franchise’s storytelling roots.
Brennan’s Business Acumen Joins the Helm
Lynwen Brennan, who has been serving as general manager, will share the leadership role. Her experience on the business side of Lucasfilm makes her a natural fit for the position. Brennan reflected on her new responsibilities, saying:
“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 honoured to join Dave Filoni in leading us forward. I have been so fortunate to learn from George Lucas, Kathy Kennedy and Alan Bergman and have unwavering faith in Dave's creative vision for the next chapter in this storied studio's legacy.”
Her partnership with Filoni is expected to balance creative ambition with practical know-how, a combination that could prove vital as the studio navigates its next phase.
Kennedy’s Legacy and Next Steps
During her time as president, Kennedy oversaw a period of significant growth and change. The Rey trilogy, Solo, Rogue One, and a host of other projects all came to fruition under her watch. She’s not disappearing from the scene, though; instead, she’ll be focusing on producing, continuing to shape the stories that have captivated audiences for decades.
Reflecting on her years at the top, Kennedy remarked:
“When George Lucas asked me to take over Lucasfilm upon his retirement, I couldn't have imagined what lay ahead. It has been a true privilege to spend more than a decade working alongside the extraordinary talent at Lucasfilm. Their creativity and dedication have been an inspiration, and I'm deeply proud of what we've accomplished together. I'm excited to continue developing films and television with both longtime collaborators and fresh voices who represent the future of storytelling.”
With new leadership in place, Lucasfilm appears poised for another chapter, blending the experience of its veterans with the energy of its next generation.