Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan Step Up as Lucasfilm Co-Presidents
After 14 years at the helm, Kathleen Kennedy is handing over the reins at Lucasfilm, with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan set to guide the Star Wars universe into its next era.
Kathleen Kennedy is set to wrap up her 14-year stint as president of Lucasfilm, shifting her focus back to producing. Stepping into her shoes, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan will now share the top job as co-presidents, taking charge of the Star Wars juggernaut.
Rumours about this shake-up have been swirling for a while, so the official word hasn’t come as a huge shock to many. Filoni’s promotion feels like a natural move. He’s been with the company since 2008, first making his mark directing the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Working closely with George Lucas, Filoni earned a reputation as Lucas’s “Padawan”, and he’s since played a key role in hits like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.
Filoni’s Journey from Animation to the Top
Filoni’s path through Lucasfilm has been anything but ordinary. Starting out in animation, he quickly became a trusted creative force, collaborating with Lucas himself. His hands-on approach and knack for storytelling have made him a favourite among fans and colleagues alike.
In a statement, Filoni reflected on his journey:
“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.”
Brennan’s Business Savvy Joins the Mix
Lynwen Brennan, who’s been running the business side as general manager, will join Filoni at the helm. Her experience behind the scenes makes her a solid choice for the role. Brennan shared her thoughts on the new chapter:
“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.”
With both creative and business expertise, the new leadership duo looks set to steer the studio through its next phase.
Kennedy’s Legacy and What’s Next
Since Disney took over Lucasfilm, Kennedy has overseen a string of major projects, including the entire Rey trilogy, Solo, Rogue One, and every other Star Wars release under the Disney banner. While she’s stepping down from the presidency, she’s not leaving the galaxy far, far away just yet—she’ll stay on as a full-time producer.
Kennedy looked back on her time at the top, saying:
“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 is gearing up for its next adventure, keeping fans keen for what’s to come.