Disney announced on Thursday, January 15, 2026 that veteran filmmaker Dave Filoni will serve as president and chief creative officer of Lucasfilm, succeeding Kathleen Kennedy who will transition to a producing role.
Filoni, a long‑time collaborator of George Lucas and the creative force behind The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, brings a deep understanding of the Star Wars mythos. His appointment signals a commitment to the original vision that guided the franchise’s early years while positioning the studio to expand the universe through interconnected storytelling across film and television.
Kennedy, who has led Lucasfilm for nearly 14 years, will continue to produce upcoming titles such as The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter. Her tenure saw the launch of multiple Disney+ series and the sequel trilogy, cementing the franchise’s presence in both theatrical and streaming markets.
Filoni will work alongside Lynwen Brennan, who will serve as co‑president and focus on business operations. Both executives report to Alan Bergman, co‑chairman of Disney Entertainment, ensuring that Lucasfilm’s creative and commercial strategies remain aligned with Disney’s broader entertainment objectives.
The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment as Disney seeks to strengthen its flagship franchise amid evolving fan expectations and a competitive streaming landscape. Filoni’s track record of delivering high‑quality, fan‑centric content positions Lucasfilm to capitalize on upcoming projects such as The Mandalorian and Grogu, which are expected to test the new creative direction and drive the franchise’s theatrical relaunch.
No immediate market reaction has been reported, but the appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move to reinforce Lucasfilm’s creative leadership and sustain its growth trajectory within Disney’s entertainment portfolio.
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