A Bit of Relief
Here’s the latest from The Hollywood Reporter
Kathleen Kennedy admitted to feeling “a bit of relief” after stepping down from Lucasfilm earlier in 2026 following 14 years at the helm of one of the biggest American film franchises.
The longtime producer reflected on the end of her leadership tenure in the Star Wars universe during a Wednesday night interview devoted to her career at Bloomberg’s annual Screentime event in Los Angeles. Asked if she felt “bittersweet“ about leaving Lucasfilm, Kennedy said no. “I suppose there’s a bit of relief. These jobs are not easy and stepping into something like that that George [Lucas] had created was an incredible challenge.”…
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Kathleen Kennedy has opened up about her departure from Lucasfilm, revealing that relief rather than sadness was among her strongest feelings after stepping down from the company earlier in 2026.
Speaking during a career-focused interview at Bloomberg’s annual Screentime event in Los Angeles, the veteran producer reflected on the end of a significant chapter that saw her oversee one of the most powerful and recognisable entertainment brands in the world. When asked whether leaving Lucasfilm felt bittersweet, Kennedy acknowledged that stepping away from the role brought a sense of relief after years of responsibility and pressure.
Kennedy spent 14 years leading Lucasfilm following its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company, guiding the studio through a transformative period for the Star Wars franchise. During her tenure, the saga expanded significantly across film, television, animation and streaming, introducing a new generation of stories and characters while continuing the legacy created by George Lucas.
Reflecting on the experience, Kennedy noted the immense challenge of inheriting a role tied so closely to Lucas himself. Taking responsibility for a universe that had captivated audiences for decades came with enormous expectations from fans, filmmakers and the entertainment industry alike. Her comments highlighted the unique pressures associated with managing a cultural phenomenon whose influence extends far beyond the screen.
Before joining Lucasfilm, Kennedy had already established herself as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished producers. Across a career spanning decades, she helped bring numerous landmark films to audiences and built a reputation for championing ambitious storytelling and major cinematic productions.
Her leadership era at Lucasfilm oversaw the release of new Star Wars films, the growth of Disney+ series set within the galaxy far, far away and the continued expansion of Lucasfilm’s creative output. The period was marked by both enormous commercial success and intense public scrutiny, reflecting the passionate global audience invested in the future of Star Wars.
Now free from the day-to-day demands of running the studio, Kennedy’s remarks suggest an appreciation for the opportunity to step back from one of the entertainment industry’s most high-profile leadership positions. While her contributions to Lucasfilm remain an important part of modern Star Wars history, her latest comments indicate that leaving the role has also provided a welcome opportunity to breathe after more than a decade at the centre of the franchise.
As the Star Wars universe continues to evolve, Kennedy’s influence on its modern era remains substantial, helping shape the direction of Lucasfilm during one of the most significant periods in its history.
