For years, Star Wars and Indiana Jones fans have been waiting for the moment Kathleen Kennedy would leave Lucasfilm. Now, reports suggest that her time at the company may finally be coming to an end by the close of 2025. But with the damage already done, is it too little, too late?
The End of an Era?
According to multiple Hollywood trade sources, Kathleen Kennedy, who has led Lucasfilm for more than a decade, is preparing to step down from her role by the end of 2025. The reports come from Puck News and The Hollywood Reporter, fueling speculation that Disney is finally cutting ties with the executive who has overseen one of the most controversial eras in Star Wars history.
Despite the excitement from fans eager to see a new direction for Lucasfilm, many believe the damage Kennedy has done to the franchise is irreversible. Under her leadership, Star Wars has become a divisive brand, alienating its longtime fanbase while struggling to attract new audiences.
Her reported departure also raises another major question: Who will take over? While removing Kennedy may feel like a victory for fans, her replacement could be just as bad—if not worse.
How Kathleen Kennedy Destroyed Star Wars
When Disney acquired Star Wars for $4 billion in 2012, the franchise was an untouchable juggernaut, beloved by multiple generations. Yet under Kathleen Kennedy’s watch, Lucasfilm quickly turned into a chaotic mess of inconsistent storytelling, divisive creative decisions, and financial underperformance.
The Star Wars sequel trilogy is a prime example of Kennedy’s lack of vision. Instead of mapping out a cohesive three-film story, she allowed different directors—J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson—to take control without any clear overarching narrative. The result?
The Force Awakens (2015) introduced intriguing mysteries but had no plan for their resolution.
The Last Jedi (2017) subverted fan expectations in a way that divided the fandom, discarding many setups from The Force Awakens.
The Rise of Skywalker (2019) attempted to undo the damage but ultimately pleased no one, delivering a rushed and incoherent conclusion.
Beyond the movies, Kennedy also led Star Wars into the Disney+ era with mixed results. Shows like The Mandalorian initially gained fan approval, but as more spin-offs were announced (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett), quality rapidly declined. Then came The Acolyte, which was marketed as a groundbreaking series but ended up becoming one of Disney+’s most controversial projects.
Indiana Jones: Another Franchise Ruined
If mishandling Star Wars wasn’t bad enough, Kennedy also took down Indiana Jones with The Dial of Destiny (2023). The movie, starring an aging Harrison Ford, was a financial disaster for Disney, grossing only $383 million against a reported $300 million budget.
The film alienated fans by portraying Indiana Jones as a washed-up relic, while new character Helena Shaw (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) took center stage. This shift in focus was yet another example of Kennedy’s infamous “The Force is Female” approach, which critics argue has prioritized pushing agendas over storytelling.
Can Lucasfilm Be Saved?
Even if Kennedy does leave Lucasfilm, is there any hope for the studio? Fans are skeptical. Over the years, reports of her exit have surfaced multiple times, yet she has continued to hold onto her position.
Moreover, even if Kennedy is replaced, Lucasfilm’s creative direction remains in question. With Bob Iger also set to step down as Disney CEO in 2025, there’s a possibility of major leadership shake-ups across the company. But will the new leadership be any better?
Some fans argue that the only way to truly save Star Wars is to return to the Expanded Universe, which was discarded when Disney took over. Others believe that taking a multi-year break from Star Wars—like Warner Bros. is doing with Harry Potter—could allow time for better storytelling and a fresh start.
Final Thoughts: Too Late for Redemption?
While many fans would celebrate Kathleen Kennedy’s exit, her departure wouldn’t instantly fix the damage done to Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The franchises are in dire need of strong leadership, a clear creative vision, and, most importantly, respect for the fans who made them legendary in the first place.
Whether or not Disney makes the right moves in the post-Kennedy era remains to be seen. But if she truly leaves in 2025, it may finally mark the end of one of the most controversial reigns in Hollywood history.
What do you think? Will Kathleen Kennedy’s departure save Star Wars and Indiana Jones, or is the damage beyond repair? Let us know in the comments!