Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm and Star Wars was reportedly complicated by an earlier shake-up at the studio. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is reportedly stepping down by the end of the year, and the search is on for her replacement. Kennedy leaves a complicated legacy, with both success and failures behind her. According to reports, she originally planned to leave last year – even preparing an exit interview – but stayed on a little longer.

THR report that matters were complicated by the departure of Rayne Roberts, Lucasfilm’s vice president of film development until she moved on to Searchlight Pictures this year. Roberts joined Lucasfilm back in 2012, and THR note she was being groomed as Kennedy’s likely replacement. Presumably Roberts’ decision not to go for the role contributed to Kennedy’s decision to stay on a little longer.

Who Will Be Kathleen Kennedy’s Replacement?

This Is Going To Be A Tough Job

Naturally, there’s now intense discussion over who could be Kathleen Kennedy’s replacement. The most popular prediction is that this will be Dave Filoni, George Lucas’ protégé, whether working independently or as a partner with either Jon Favreau or Carrie Beck. There are even some claims this has already been decided, and that a formal announcement will be made at Star Wars Celebration this year.

We don’t know the truth of those reports. What we can say for certain, though, is that whoever takes over will face a difficult challenge. Kennedy may have been controversial, but she had some big shoes to fill, taking over from George Lucas himself. She’s shepherded Star Wars through a complex evolution, pushing transmedia to a whole new level. Next year already felt like something of a relaunch for Star Wars, with The Mandalorian and Grogu bringing the franchise back to the big screen at last.

Our Take On Kathleen Kennedy’s Departure

A Mixed Legacy

Kennedy has been a polarizing figure, but her successor is unlikely to have an easy ride. Even George Lucas himself felt the fandom’s ire on occasion, after all, and every decision made at Lucasfilm will come under relentless scrutiny. It’s easy to see why Rayne Roberts would be uncomfortable with taking over, ᴀssuming THR‘s report is accurate.

One thing seems likely, though; even if Roberts’ departure did complicate Kennedy’s own, I wouldn’t be surprised if the successor has already been chosen. This year’s Star Wars Celebration feels like an appropriate reset point, an opportunity to hype viewers about the future. That seems even more likely now, meaning the future of Star Wars should be a lot more concrete soon.

Source: THR