TheBBP Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Kathleen Kennedy was just named Co-Chair of Lucasfilm Ltd. SAN FRANCISCO, California—June 1, 2012—Lucasfilm Ltd. today announced that Kathleen Kennedy will become Co-Chair of Lucasfilm. In an effort to move forward with his retirement plans, George Lucas will work with Kathleen Kennedy to transition into her new role. Lucas will become Co-Chairman of the Board of Lucasfilm and continue as CEO. Micheline Chau will remain as President and COO of Lucasfilm, and continue to focus on the day-to-day operations of the business. “I’ve spent my life building Lucasfilm and as I shift my focus into other directions I wanted to make sure it was in the hands of someone equipped to carry my vision into the future,” said George Lucas. “It was important that my successor not only be someone with great creative passion and proven leadership abilities, but also someone who loves movies. I care deeply about my employees—it is their creativity and hard work that has made this company what it is today. As the company grows and expands I wanted to be sure the employees of Lucasfilm have a strong captain for the ship. I also care deeply about our fans and it was important to have someone who would carry on the passion and care that I’ve given the films over the years. So for me Kathy was the obvious choice, she is a trusted friend and one of the most respected producers and executives in the industry.” Director Steven Spielberg said, “George's prescience is once again proven by his choice of my long time producing partner, Kathy Kennedy to co-chair Lucasfilm. Kathy has been a member of both of our families going into a fourth decade so it does not feel like she is going to another galaxy far far away. She will get just as much support from me with Lucasfilm as George has given both of us all these years.”; “George is a true visionary,” said Kathleen Kennedy. “I’ve seen him build Lucasfilm from a small rebel unit in Northern California to an international fully integrated entertainment company. I’m excited to have the chance to work with such an extraordinary group of talented people. George and I have talked about the enormous opportunities that lie ahead for the company, and as George moves towards retirement I am honored that he trusts me with taking care of the beloved film franchises. I feel fortunate to have George working with me for the next year or two as I take on this role—it is nice to have Yoda by your side.”; Seven-time Academy Award nominated Kathleen Kennedy is one of the most successful and esteemed producers and executives in the film industry. As a producer she has an impeccable record with a robust filmography working with such filmmakers as Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Martin Scorsese, Robert Zemeckis, Barry Levinson, Clint Eastwood, David Fincher and Gary Ross. As a testament to her standing in the film community, she previously held the position of governor and officer of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and currently serves as a member of the board of trustees. She is also a former President of the Producers Guild of America. Kathleen will step down from her role at The Kennedy/Marshall Company, shifting her responsibilities to partner Frank Marshall. The Kennedy/Marshall Company is currently in post production on LINCOLN, directed by long time collaborator Steven Spielberg whom Kennedy also produced for on the INDIANA JONES and JURASSIC PARK franchises, and THE BOURNE LEGACY, written and directed by Tony Gilroy and produced by Marshall. Under the Kennedy/Marshall banner, the pair has produced such Academy Award nominated Best Picture films as WAR HORSE (six nominations), THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (thirteen nominations) THE SIXTH SENSE, (six nominations) and SEABISCUIT (seven nominations), as well as blockbusters including the BOURNE series and THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN. Marshall will oversee the company’s current slate of projects and continue to expand it via their development deals with DreamWorks and CBS TV Studios. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velaran Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Huh. Cool. Let's hope she does a good job of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eillack Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 (edited) I wish her luck either way in her new role. Edited June 5, 2012 by Eillack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNCommand Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 (edited) Man, I would not want to be in her shoes when the fandom needs to find someone to blame for a change they dislike. I would hire someone just to open the mail and start the car for me. Edited June 1, 2012 by SNCommand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain_Zone Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 I really hope she does a good job, unlike the guy she's replacing. So is HER word going to become G-Canon now? She will be "The Voice of the George", after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBBP Posted June 5, 2012 Author Share Posted June 5, 2012 It looks like Uncle George is really letting go a bit. Notice that the Clone Wars series is getting a bit edgier and look at this concerning the TV series that is in the works. From Rick McCallum: "Our biggest problem is that these stories are adult. I mean…these are like Deadwood in space. It so unlike anything you’ve ever associated with George before in relation to Star Wars. These aren’t for kids" SOURCE That is not George-like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimasterjac Posted June 5, 2012 Share Posted June 5, 2012 People have all these problems with Lucas. Why? He created Star Wars. And the prequels are actually pretty good, more emotionally in depth and all, but that's getting off topic. I wish her the best of luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBBP Posted June 5, 2012 Author Share Posted June 5, 2012 People have all these problems with Lucas. Why? He created Star Wars. And the prequels are actually pretty good, more emotionally in depth and all, but that's getting off topic. I wish her the best of luck! I have no problems with what has been made. The Skywalker's are clearly Uncle George's thing. I love the nod to other aspects of the Star Wars universe and am very glad that he is letting others go in those directions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedimasterjac Posted June 5, 2012 Share Posted June 5, 2012 I have no problems with what has been made. The Skywalker's are clearly Uncle George's thing. I love the nod to other aspects of the Star Wars universe and am very glad that he is letting others go in those directions. Same. I was just making a statement that a lot of people for some reason have these problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBBP Posted June 6, 2012 Author Share Posted June 6, 2012 Same. I was just making a statement that a lot of people for some reason have these problems. I think a lot of fans have a lot invested in Star Wars. Especially us older fans. Sometimes (right or wrong) folks get bent because things are not done as they figure should be done. There are things that I do not like about the prequel trilogy. However, the man who made the originals also made the prequels. So, at least the source is consistent. If that is what "The Maker" decided, I have learned to deal with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eillack Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 People have all these problems with Lucas. Why? He created Star Wars. And the prequels are actually pretty good, more emotionally in depth and all, but that's getting off topic. I wish her the best of luck! People are angry Star Wars wasn't molding just for them; ie "X didn't happen like * I * wanted it to!" " I want Y to happen! What !? He did Z!?!?!?!?! F*$K YOU LUCAS! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain_Zone Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 People are angry Star Wars wasn't molding just for them; ie "X didn't happen like * I * wanted it to!" " I want Y to happen! What !? He did Z!?!?!?!?! F*$K YOU LUCAS! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGE" While that IS true for some, my reasons for disliking George are far simpler. Dialogue that induces eye-rolling and cringing and makes Oscar-capable actors look like complete buffoons, and plotholes you could fly a freighter through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prfella Posted June 12, 2012 Share Posted June 12, 2012 I dont get this move. So George is 68 and plans to retire, and he chooses a 58 year old woman to be in charge of LucasFilms. It was stated that he is grooming her to be his successor and carry on his legacy. So shes going tocarry on his legacy for 10 more years, possibly less? How does this makes sense? George headed LucasFlims for like 30 years or something, and now hes putting all his eggs into one basket with someone who might possibly run it for only 5-7 years? that seems really odd to me. Can anyone help me in understanding the sense in something like this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazednconfuzed Posted June 13, 2012 Share Posted June 13, 2012 I dont get this move. So George is 68 and plans to retire, and he chooses a 58 year old woman to be in charge of LucasFilms. It was stated that he is grooming her to be his successor and carry on his legacy. So shes going tocarry on his legacy for 10 more years, possibly less? How does this makes sense? George headed LucasFlims for like 30 years or something, and now hes putting all his eggs into one basket with someone who might possibly run it for only 5-7 years? that seems really odd to me. Can anyone help me in understanding the sense in something like this? Perhaps this replacement he is grooming is actually a Guri and, as such, is immortal, yet still looks and talks like a human. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omnitheo Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 If people are willing to accept darker themes in Star Wars media, perhaps we could get new media (tv or games) based on the NJO series and beyond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prfella Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 (edited) @dazednconfuzed Lol! +1 good sir Edited June 14, 2012 by Prfella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuscad Posted June 14, 2012 Share Posted June 14, 2012 If people are willing to accept darker themes in Star Wars media, perhaps we could get new media (tv or games) based on the NJO series and beyond. I hope so. It is my sincere hope that they release 1 game for the kiddies and 1 game for the more mature audience every year. If they do that then no one gets left in the dust or different treatment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mavryk Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 While that IS true for some, my reasons for disliking George are far simpler. Dialogue that induces eye-rolling and cringing and makes Oscar-capable actors look like complete buffoons, and plotholes you could fly a freighter through. True, but it is his vision and that's what he wanted to do with it. Just like a painter paint's what they want, a writer writes what they want, George can make a movie the way he wants. And seeing as they still make more than enough money he has to be doing something write. Every single one of us could write a better version of Star Wars in our own minds, but doesn't mean the masses will like it any more. Take Star Trek for example, write it for the fans and get mixed reviews, or do as JJ did and write it in the complete opposite way and make a block buster, so writing it for the fans doesn't always pay off. Not saying that's a good thing, but that is the way Hollywood is, and why we look to MMO's to write our own story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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