Kathleen Kennedy has confirmed her departure from Lucasfilm and detailed the status of several planned Star Wars films in a new interview.
At a Glance
- Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as Lucasfilm president
- Taika Waititi and Donald Glover’s scripts remain active
- James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi project is “on hold”
- Simon Kinberg’s new trilogy is still moving forward
- Why it matters: The next era of Star Wars movies hinges on which projects the new leadership greenlights
Kennedy’s exit marks the end of a tenure that saw multiple announced films stall in development. In a candid conversation, she outlined which projects live on and which have been shelved.
Projects Still Breathing
Two screenplays continue to receive attention:
- Taika Waititi’s film – Announced in 2020, the script is described by Kennedy as “hilarious and great”
- Donald Glover’s Lando project – First discussed in late 2023, the script has been submitted and remains under consideration
Kennedy stressed that both Waititi and Glover’s projects are “still somewhat alive” and will be decided by the new Lucasfilm leadership team.
Development Limbo
Several high-profile films have hit roadblocks:
James Mangold and Beau Willimon’s Dawn of the Jedi script is “definitely breaking the mold” but has been placed “on hold.” Originally unveiled at Star Wars Celebration 2023, this ancient-era tale appears to be the victim of its own ambition.
Steve Soderbergh and Adam Driver’s collaboration – Written by Scott Burns – has also been relegated to the “back burner” despite Kennedy calling the script “great.”
Notably absent from Kennedy’s update:
- Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Rey-centric film
- Dave Filoni’s Heir to the Empire adaptation
Both projects were announced alongside Mangold’s film in 2023, and their omission signals potential cancellation.
The Trilogy That Survived
Simon Kinberg’s new trilogy remains in active development. Kennedy revealed the current status:
- Kinberg delivered a draft in August that was “very good, but not there”
- The story was “pretty much upended” and rebuilt
- A 70-page treatment was completed four weeks ago
- Full screenplay expected in March
New Lucasfilm heads Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan are “very much on board” with Kinberg’s vision. Kennedy indicated this trilogy could carry the franchise “well into 2030 plus.”
Immediate Future
The theatrical slate for the next two years is locked:
- The Mandalorian and Grogu – releasing 2025
- Star Wars: Starfighter – scheduled for 2026
Kennedy noted that Starfighter was conceived as a standalone but could spawn sequels if successful.
Transition of Power
With Kennedy’s exit, final decisions on all pending projects transfer to Filoni and Brennan. The producer acknowledged that her departing status limits her influence: “It’s not just my decision, especially when I’ve got a foot out the door.”
The timing leaves Waititi and Glover’s films as the most likely next theatrical releases beyond 2026, while Mangold’s ancient Jedi epic and Soderbergh’s thriller appear stalled indefinitely.
