Dave Filoni named Lucasfilm president in major 'Star Wars' shakeup

A fresh leader is now guiding Star Wars at Lucasfilm. The studio recently declared that Dave Filoni — recognised for his contributions to The Mandalorian and The Clone Wars — will assume the presidency.

 Former president Kathleen Kennedy, whose exit had been speculated for a while, will step down and re-engage with full-time film production.

In this new capacity, Filoni will persist as the chief creative officer at Lucasfilm, in addition to his role as president. 

Lynwen Brennan, affiliated with the studio since 1999 and lately acting as the president and GM of Lucasfilm business, will share the role of co-president.

“My love of storytelling was shaped by the films of Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas,” Filoni remarked in a statement. “I never dreamed I would be privileged to learn the craft of filmmaking from both of them. From Rey to Grogu, Kathy has overseen the greatest expansion in Star Wars storytelling onscreen that we have ever seen.“

Affiliated with Lucasfilm since 2005, Filoni is presently engaged with several projects in progress; he's the showrunner for the second season of Ahsoka and serves as a writer and producer for the forthcoming movie The Mandalorian & Grogu. 

He's also assuming leadership at the studio during a crucial phase, as Star Wars prepares for a return to theaters following numerous postponements. 

Besides The Mandalorian & Grogu debuting in theaters on May 22nd, the Shawn Levy-directed Starfighter is scheduled for release in 2027.