The High Stakes of Running a Galaxy: The Challenges of Leading Lucasfilm
Leading Lucasfilm, the home of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, is a role that comes with immense prestige and pressure. While it’s a dream job for many, it’s also a position that attracts constant scrutiny and criticism. The president of Lucasfilm has to navigate the complexities of managing one of Hollywood’s most iconic franchises, all while dealing with the ever-present challenges of fan expectations, creative consistency, and financial success. The role is thankless in many ways, as any misstep can lead to widespread backlash, from social media trolling to parody and criticism. Yet, despite these challenges, the opportunity to shape the future of Star Wars is a tempting prospect for many in the industry.
The recent news that Kathleen Kennedy, the current president of Lucasfilm, will step down at the end of 2025 has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Within hours of the announcement, executives, producers, and creative talent began positioning themselves to catch the attention of Disney CEO Bob Iger. The chance to lead Star Wars is rare, and the right candidate could wield the kind of influence that Kevin Feige has with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, taking on this role requires more than just a passion for the franchise—it demands a unique set of skills, a deep understanding of the Star Wars mythology, and the ability to navigate the complex landscape of modern entertainment.
One of the key challenges for the next president of Lucasfilm will be restoring the franchise to its former glory. Star Wars has been in a slump since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012 for $4 billion. While the initial films, such as The Force Awakens, were hugely successful, subsequent movies like The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker saw diminishing returns, both critically and financially. The spinoff films, such as Solo: A Star Wars Story, even lost money at the box office. The franchise’s troubles extend to its television offerings, with shows like The Acolyte being canceled after just one season. The lack of a major Star Wars film in theaters since 2019 has left fans hungry for more, and the pressure is on to deliver.
The next leader of Lucasfilm will need to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise, one that can balance the needs of both the loyal fanbase and the demands of modern entertainment. This includes not only producing high-quality films and television shows but also expanding the franchise’s reach through streaming platforms like Disney+. The candidate will also need to build and maintain relationships with top-tier talent, something that has been a challenge for Kennedy during her tenure. From Phil Lord and Christopher Miller to Patty Jenkins and Rian Johnson, many A-list directors have come and gone, often due to creative differences. The next president will need to foster an environment where directors feel supported and valued, ensuring that their vision aligns with the franchise’s overall direction.
In addition to creative vision, the next president will need to have a strong business acumen. Producing Star Wars content is expensive, and the financial stakes are high. The candidate will need to understand not only how to make great stories but also how to manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and navigate the complexities of corporate leadership. As Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman University’s film school, noted, it’s rare to find someone who has both a deep understanding of the Star Wars universe and the business skills to run a multi-billion-dollar company. The ideal candidate would be someone who can geek out about lightsabers and Sith Lords while also crunching the numbers to ensure the franchise’s continued success.
The list of potential candidates to replace Kennedy is already generating buzz. Names like Jon Favreau, who has successfully helmed The Mandalorian, and Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm’s chief creative officer, are frequently mentioned. Others, such as Harry Potter producer David Heyman and Legendary Entertainment’s Mary Parent, could also be in the running. However, not everyone is eager to take on the role. Many creatives would prefer to focus on filmmaking rather than deal with the administrative headaches that come with being an executive. As Galloway pointed out, running a multi-billion-dollar company is a far cry from the creative work that most filmmakers are passionate about.
Kathleen Kennedy’s legacy is a complex one. When she took over Lucasfilm in 2012, she had already established herself as one of Hollywood’s most successful producers, working on films like Jurassic Park and Lincoln. Under her leadership, Star Wars was rebooted with The Force Awakens, which became the highest-grossing film in domestic box office history. However, her tenure has also been marked by setbacks, from the underperformance of Solo to the divisiveness of The Last Jedi. Despite these challenges, Kennedy has managed to keep Star Wars relevant, particularly through its expansion into streaming with shows like The Mandalorian. Her ability to adapt and evolve the franchise will be hard to replace.
The road ahead for Star Wars is uncertain, but the opportunity for renewal is also significant. Like many of Hollywood’s major franchises, Star Wars is at a crossroads. With Mission: Impossible wrapping up, Marvel attempting to course-correct after a rocky few years, and Harry Potter transitioning to a new TV series, there’s a void in the market for big blockbuster entertainment that Star Wars could fill. However, doing so will require bold creative risks and a willingness to think outside the box. As the story of Star Wars itself shows, the biggest rewards often come from taking chances, even when the odds seem insurmountable. With the right vision and leadership, Lucasfilm could once again become the gold standard for science fiction storytelling, inspiring a new generation of fans and ensuring that the Force remains strong for years to come.
