SSSW - Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down

SSSW - Kathleen Kennedy Steps Down

From Tower of Babble by Julian Meush and Jeremy Kozier

February 12, 2026 · 1h 37m

About this episode

The episode discusses Kathleen Kennedy's stepping down from Lucasfilm and the implications for the future of Star Wars under new leadership.

There have been rumours circulating for years about the eventual retirement of Kathleen Kennedy from her role as President of Lucasfilm. Never mind the seemingly constant swirling demands for her head from segments of the fan base. And while those rumours and demands may have felt at times unwarranted, they were nevertheless always going to be right... eventually. Kathleen Kennedy, after 14 years as head of the studio announced that she would be stepping down and returning to a more traditional producer role, and her successors would be Dave Filoni on the creative side, and Lynwen Brennan on the business side. Julian and Rachel unpack the announcement, the press coverage, and even Kennedy's exit interview with Deadline, reading between the lines and trying to get a read on her legacy. As well as examining what life might be like under Filoni as Star Wars enters a new era under his watch. Plus, a check-in on 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' following the underwhelming Super Bowl spot.

People in this episode

Host: Julian Meush

Guest: Rachel

Topics covered

  • Kathleen Kennedy
  • Lucasfilm
  • Star Wars
  • leadership change
  • The Mandalorian
  • legacy
  • press coverage

Keywords

  • Kathleen Kennedy
  • Lucasfilm
  • Dave Filoni
  • Lynwen Brennan
  • Star Wars
  • The Mandalorian
  • leadership change
  • legacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lucasfilm

Books & works: The Mandalorian

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