New Captains at the Helm of Star Wars: What's Next?

After more than 13 years, Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her role at Lucasfilm. Dave Filoni is taking over as president and chief creative officer, with Lynwen Brennan as co-president. This change comes after a mixed bag of successes and controversies under Kennedy's leadership. Kennedy joined Lucasfilm after Disney bought it in 2012. She oversaw the creation of new "Star Wars" movies and TV shows. Some, like "The Force Awakens" and "Rogue One, " were big hits. Others, like "The Last Jedi" and "The Rise of Skywalker, " sparked heated debates among fans. Filoni is known for his work on animated series like "The Clone Wars" and live-action shows like "The Mandalorian. " His experience in both areas could be key to steering the franchise forward. However, his previous work, like "Ahsoka, " has received mixed reviews.The future of "Star Wars" on the big screen has been uncertain lately. The last movie, "The Rise of Skywalker, " came out in 2019. Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for new films. The upcoming "The Mandalorian & Grogu" movie in May is a step towards filling that void. Kennedy's time at Lucasfilm wasn't all smooth sailing. There were struggles with creative direction, like the firing of directors during the making of "Solo: A Star Wars Story. " Despite these challenges, she leaves behind a legacy of expanding the "Star Wars" universe. Filoni expressed gratitude towards Kennedy and others for the opportunity. He acknowledged the vast storytelling achievements under Kennedy's leadership. The transition marks a new era for "Star Wars, " with Filoni at the helm.