Looks like change is finally coming to Lucasfilm. According to The Hollywood Reporter, longtime Star Wars vets Dave Filoni and Carrie Beck are being eyed to replace Kathleen Kennedy as the new heads of the studio. While outside names were rumored, insiders for the site claim Disney is likely to promote from within, with Filoni and Beck stepping up as co-leads.
Filoni and Beck Eyed as Lucasfilm’s New Co-Leads
In their article about the Hollywood succession roles, THR offers up:
“The current thinking is a scenario where chief creative officer Dave Filoni and production head Carrie Beck — both Lucasfilm vets — take co-head roles.”
Kathleen Kennedy sticking around as producer?
Filoni, a George Lucas protégé and fan-favorite among Star Wars loyalists, has long been seen as the creative heir to the franchise. Beck, who joined Lucasfilm in 2012, has quietly played a key role behind the scenes on multiple animated and live-action projects. THR notes that while both are well-versed in Star Wars lore, neither has much film experience, a potential concern Disney might offset by keeping Kennedy on board as a producer to help maintain quality control during the transition:
“…neither she nor Filoni has much film experience, which could be mitigated by Kennedy’s continued presence as a producer on certain Star Wars projects, ensuring quality control in the short term.”
As for Kathleen Kennedy, her exit has been rumored for months. While Kennedy publicly denied those claims at Star Wars Celebration Japan, saying she’s “not going anywhere,” THR’s latest report suggests otherwise. According to their sources, the groundwork for a leadership transition is already in place, with Filoni and Beck poised to take the reins. Official word from Disney or Lucasfilm is still pending, but behind the scenes, it looks like the end of the Kennedy era is finally approaching.
What’s next for Disney Star Wars?
Following Andor Season 2 concluding the series, Ahsoka Season 2 is in the works from Lucasfilm and Filoni for Disney+. Details include Hayden Christen will be back as Anakin, Admiral Ackbar will appear, and Rory McCann has been cast as Baylan Skol.
The movie side of things sees Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu coming out on May 22, 2026, and Shawn Levy is developing Star Wars: Starfighter starring Ryan Gosling for May 28, 2027.
Dave Filoni has also been developing a Star Wars film, said to connect the worlds of TV and the films, but it hasn’t been officially announced as going into production or given a release date.
