Exit the Hollywood Women, Part 2 Kathleen Kennedy
3 minute readPublished: Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 3:07 am
Kathleen Kennedy's Tenure at Lucasfilm Ends
Kathleen Kennedy has reportedly stepped down as president of Lucasfilm, the production company behind the *Star Wars* franchise. The departure follows a period marked by significant shifts in the direction of the iconic space opera.
The author, a self-proclaimed fan of classic science fiction and adventure stories, suggests that Kennedy's leadership saw a departure from the core elements that made the original *Star Wars* films successful. The author points to the original trilogy's homage to classic serials and Westerns, emphasizing the appeal of masculine heroes and romantic elements. The author contrasts this with Kennedy's approach, which the author believes prioritized a feminist agenda.
The author criticizes the portrayal of characters in the more recent *Star Wars* films, particularly the character of Rey, and the treatment of established heroes like Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. The author argues that these changes alienated audiences and contributed to a decline in the franchise's popularity.
The author suggests that Kennedy's appointment by George Lucas was a misstep, as she lacked an appreciation for the source material and the values it represented. The author believes that Kennedy's focus on "strong, empowered females" came at the expense of the established narrative and character dynamics.
BNN's Perspective:
While the author's perspective is clearly critical of Kennedy's leadership, it's important to acknowledge the complexities of creative decision-making in a major franchise. The *Star Wars* universe is vast, and any changes are bound to be met with mixed reactions. It's crucial to consider the financial performance of the films, the evolving tastes of audiences, and the need for fresh perspectives. The departure of Kennedy presents an opportunity for Lucasfilm to re-evaluate its direction and potentially re-engage with a broader audience.
Keywords: Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm, Star Wars, franchise, feminist, heroes, Rey, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, George Lucas, Hollywood, cinema, movies, entertainment, film, leadership, departure, president