Who Will Lead the Next Franchise Era?

Who aspires to take the helm of the “Star Wars” franchise?

It’s a daunting task, to say the least. While the franchise is venerated as a cultural cornerstone, the president of Lucasfilm—steward of both “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones”—holds one of the most esteemed positions within Hollywood. Yet, the role comes with considerable scrutiny and often harsh public judgment, as incumbents find themselves subject to social media mockery, satirical portrayals on programs like “South Park,” and criticisms that they are either excessively progressive or overly beholden to George Lucas’s original vision.

The incoming president will assume this responsibility during a turbulent period for one of cinema’s most cherished franchises. Despite its immense legacy, Lucasfilm has struggled to launch a new film in over six years—a substantial hiatus in today’s fast-paced entertainment landscape. The cinematic outings produced since Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm for $4 billion have experienced diminishing returns, both financially and critically. Furthermore, recent spin-off series on Disney+, such as “The Acolyte,” have faced abrupt cancellations after just one season.

Nevertheless, following news of Kathleen Kennedy’s impending departure from Lucasfilm at the end of 2025, executives and creative leaders clamored to capture the attention of Disney CEO Bob Iger and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman. Securing such a role is invaluable; mastering the intricacies of the “Star Wars” legacy could yield a level of influence akin to that of Marvel’s Kevin Feige.

The ideal candidate will need to exhibit a unique skill set, particularly robust relationships with esteemed filmmakers. This is essential, given that under Kennedy, “Star Wars” has experienced a tumultuous journey, cycling through various notable directors—from the firing of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller during “Solo” to the abandonment of projects by Patty Jenkins and Benioff & Weiss. The incoming executive must assure prospective directors that they won’t find their visions discarded or drastically altered during production.

Moreover, the new leader will need to articulate an expansive vision for the nearly five-decade-old franchise, integrating both streaming and a steadier flow of feature films. The past seven years have seen a significant absence of theatrical releases, particularly following “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” in 2019, leaving anticipation for the upcoming theatrical follow-up to “The Mandalorian” in 2026.

Even Disney’s own Marvel Cinematic Universe—historically the most lucrative franchise—has faced challenges in maintaining high-quality offerings across both film and streaming platforms. As franchises risk oversaturation, the need for a revitalized approach becomes ever more critical.

“Star Wars” remains a foundational story replete with potential, yet it stands at a crossroads, much like numerous other significant franchises throughout Hollywood. The new leadership at Lucasfilm will need to bravely embrace innovative creative directions, reminiscent of the risks that George Lucas initially took, despite widespread skepticism. History has shown us that transformative storytelling can emerge against the odds, and it is incumbent upon the next leader to navigate this legacy with both respect and ambition.

Tatiana Siegel contributed to this report.