The force is strong with Kathleen Kennedy who took command of Lucasfilm after Disney’s $4 billion acquisition from George Lucas in 2012. Kennedy has renewed her contract to remain president of Lucasfilm for another three years, through 2021.
The move is a vote of confidence in Kennedy, who has had a tumultuous year following the disappointing box office returns that “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” suffered and behind-the-scenes drama after the studio dismissed directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller well into production. They were replaced by Ron Howard, who was tasked with bringing home the pricey standalone which came with a $250 million price tag.
Kennedy weathered the storm following the drama and backlash, but many fans were left contemplating what her future with the company would be.
Kennedy’s stamp has been on every project post-Disney, including the behemoth “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Gareth Edwards’ “Rogue One,” and Rian Johnson’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”
A spinoff development slate, which included a possible standalone for “Star Wars” character Boba Fett, has been shelved. Her attention will now be directed to a new core trilogy beginning with “Star Wars: Episode IX” directed by J.J. Abrams.
Kennedy counts eight Academy Award nominations for Best Picture as a producer, including films like “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”