A New Era for Lucasfilm: Dave Filoni Takes the Helm as Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down
The “Star Wars” galaxy has finally shifted on its axis. In a move that millions of fans have anticipated for years, The Walt Disney Company officially announced on January 15, 2026, that Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as President of Lucasfilm.
Stepping into the role of President and Chief Creative Officer is Dave Filoni, the man long considered the “Chosen One” of the franchise. Lucasfilm general manager Lynwen Brennan will also take over as co-president alongside Filoni. While Kennedy will remain a producer on upcoming projects like The Mandalorian and Grogu, her era as the studio’s ultimate decision-maker has come to an end. For a fandom that has spent a decade divided, Filoni’s ascension feels like the return of “A New Hope.”
The Kathleen Kennedy Era: A Legacy of “Creative Turmoil”
While Kathleen Kennedy’s tenure saw massive box-office success—grossing over $5.6 billion across five films—her leadership was often defined by a perceived lack of vision and a series of high-profile production disasters. Fans point to three major “Force-sized” mistakes that led to the erosion of trust:
- The Sequel Trilogy Without a Roadmap: The most significant critique remains the handling of Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. Kennedy’s decision to let directors J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson work without a pre-planned story arc resulted in a trilogy that felt like a narrative tug-of-war, leaving many fans feeling that the core of the Skywalker Saga had been fractured.
- The “Director Carousel”: Lucasfilm became synonymous with “creative differences.” From the mid-production firing of Phil Lord and Chris Miller on Solo to the constant shelving of projects like Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron, the studio appeared to be in a perpetual state of identity crisis.
- The “Source Material” Comment: Kennedy once famously remarked that Star Wars had “no source material” to draw from—no books or comics. This struck a nerve with a fanbase that has spent decades reading the Expanded Universe (now Legends), leading many to believe she was disconnected from the franchise’s rich history.
In Filoni We Trust: The Return of the “Padawan”
The excitement surrounding Dave Filoni stems from the fact that he isn’t just a corporate executive—he is a student of the craft. As the direct protégé of George Lucas, Filoni spent years learning the mythology of the Force while developing The Clone Wars.
Why Fans are Celebrating:
- Lore Mastery: Filoni is widely credited with saving the Prequel era through The Clone Wars and connecting disparate threads of the galaxy in Rebels and The Mandalorian. He respects the “rules” of the universe in a way fans feel Kennedy never did.
- Character Creation: From Ahsoka Tano to Din Djarin, Filoni has created the most beloved new characters of the 21st century. Fans believe he knows how to balance “fan service” with meaningful, character-driven storytelling.
- A Singular Vision: With Filoni as President, Lucasfilm finally has a creative lead who can act as a “Feige-like” architect for the theatrical slate, ensuring that future films like the New Jedi Order and his own “Mando-verse” movie are part of a cohesive plan.
The Future: Theatrical Magic Returns in 2026
With Filoni and Lynwen Brennan (who will co-lead as Co-President for business operations) at the controls, the focus is now squarely on the big screen. The 2026 theatrical schedule, headlined by Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu this May, is being viewed as a “creative reset.”
The “Disney Squeeze”—which many felt prioritized quantity (Disney+ shows) over quality—is reportedly being dialled back in favor of a “movies-first” philosophy. For the first time in years, the conversation surrounding Star Wars isn’t about controversy; it’s about what happens next.
Do you think Dave Filoni is the right choice to save Star Wars, or is the franchise’s “dark side” too far gone?
