A significant shift may soon take place with the Kathleen Kennedy leadership transition at Lucasfilm, as Disney appears ready to promote veterans Dave Filoni and Carrie Beck into top roles. While rumors about outside hires circulated, recent developments suggest that Lucasfilm could soon experience major changes at its executive level, with key Star Wars insiders preparing to assume greater responsibility.
Filoni and Beck Positioned for Top Studio Roles
The Hollywood Reporter has indicated that longtime Lucasfilm contributors Dave Filoni, currently chief creative officer, and Carrie Beck, head of production, are leading contenders to succeed Kathleen Kennedy. Both have extensive experience with the Star Wars brand, having shaped popular animated and live-action projects. Current expectations within the company point to an internal promotion rather than appointing an external leader, aligning with Disney’s recent executive movements.
“The current thinking is a scenario where chief creative officer Dave Filoni and production head Carrie Beck — both Lucasfilm vets — take co-head roles.”
—The Hollywood Reporter
This co-leadership model would draw upon the creative strengths of Filoni, known for his close partnership with Star Wars creator George Lucas and his appeal to the franchise’s loyalists, as well as Beck’s behind-the-scenes influence since joining Lucasfilm in 2012.
Kennedy May Remain to Guide Major Projects
While Filoni and Beck excel in Star Wars storytelling, neither has led a major feature film through production, raising concerns about handling blockbuster releases. To address possible gaps in experience, The Hollywood Reporter notes that Disney could retain Kathleen Kennedy as a producer on major Star Wars projects, ensuring continued oversight and quality control throughout the leadership transition.
“…neither she nor Filoni has much film experience, which could be mitigated by Kennedy’s continued presence as a producer on certain Star Wars projects, ensuring quality control in the short term.”
—The Hollywood Reporter
Kathleen Kennedy’s departure has been the subject of speculation for months. At Star Wars Celebration Japan, Kennedy discounted these rumors, emphasizing her intention to remain with the company. However, new information from industry sources points to active preparations for her eventual exit from the presidency, with Filoni and Beck set to assume greater authority. Official announcements from Disney or Lucasfilm have yet to emerge, but the groundwork for this leadership realignment seems underway.
Upcoming Star Wars Releases and Future Leadership
Lucasfilm’s transition arrives as the studio prepares a series of highly anticipated releases. Production on Andor’s second season is nearing completion, with Ahsoka Season 2 scheduled for development by Dave Filoni for Disney Plus. Notable cast details include Hayden Christensen returning as Anakin, Admiral Ackbar’s appearance, and Rory McCann joining as Baylan Skol, expanding the Star Wars universe with new and familiar faces.
On the cinematic side, May 2026 will see the release of Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu, while a new Star Wars: Starfighter film helmed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling is planned for 2027. Furthermore, Filoni is progressing on a Star Wars film intended to bridge the narratives of the television series and movies, though it remains unconfirmed for production with no official release date yet set.
This period marks a possible end of an era for Lucasfilm and Disney Star Wars, as insiders and devoted followers watch to see how leadership changes influence the next generation of projects. With a strong roster of upcoming productions and proven creative leadership within the studio, Lucasfilm is poised for a dynamic phase as it navigates its future without Kathleen Kennedy at the helm.
