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Credit: Disney (left), Lucasfilm (right)Both The Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm are set to replace their CEOS in 2026.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over three years since Bob Iger made a surprise return as CEO of Disney. Since starting his second stint, reports have emerged that Iger long had a contentious relationship with his successor, Bob Chapek, with other executives feeling like Iger would steer Disney away from the downward turn taken during the latter’s brief rule.
Whether or not that’s come to pass is up for debate. The Walt Disney Company has experienced a series of blows in recent years, from a decline in domestic theme park attendance at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, to mass Disney+ cancellations in the wake of suspending TV host Jimmy Kimmel following pressure from a federal regulator.
Lucasfilm hasn’t fared much better.
Over five years on from the disappointing release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), the studio has faced a slew of negative critical and audience responses to its Disney+ projects (The Acolyte, in particular, proved particularly divisive).
It’s also hit a brick wall on several planned movies. Fans were furious to discover in late 2025 that Disney had axed a planned return for Ben Solo (Adam Driver), while Daisy Ridley’s reprisal of Rey in a standalone film that would see her rebuild the Jedi Order appears to face setback after setback.
Many fans have pinned these issues on Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.
Having led the studio since Disney’s purchase in 2012, some have used Kennedy – fairly or not – as a scapegoat for the issues they perceive in the sequel trilogy. A portion of the fandom has attributed the increase in “woke” Star Wars projects to Kennedy, particularly in the wake of comments she made about how female fans struggle within the franchise’s male-dominated fanbase.
Disney and Lucasfilm Prepare to Hand Over Leadership to New Executives
For critics, the good news is that changes in leadership are planned for both The Walt Disney Company and, reportedly, Lucasfilm in 2026.
We’ve long known that Iger will step down as CEO in late 2026. Much has been made of who he will choose as successor. As per recent reports, all signs currently point towards one name: Josh D’Amaro.
RELATED: Disney CEO Bob Iger in Hot Water After ‘Tone-Deaf’ Remarks
D’Amaro, who has served as Chairman of Disney Experiences since 2020, is a divisive figure within the Disney fandom. While some have pinned unpopular park changes – such as rising prices, the introduction of Lightning Lanes, and the reduction of in-park entertainment – on the executive, others have fond memories of his time as President of Disneyland.
There’s also no denying that D’Amaro is charismatic, a quality many believe Chapek lacked.
Over at Lucasfilm, new reports suggest that a decision has also been made about who will succeed Kathleen Kennedy as president of Lucasfilm.
Puck News claims that Dave Filoni, currently the Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm, is set to become co-president. He will be joined by Lynwen Brennan, currently President and General Manager of Lucasfilm Business, who will support Filoni on the business side of operations.
RELATED: Lucasfilm Makes Decision To Replace Grogu in ‘The Mandalorian’
As per Star Wars News Net, Filoni and Brennan were spotted at an event honoring Filoni’s work at Lucasfilm together in late 2025, giving credence to the rumor.
The setup will reportedly be similar to that of DC Studios, where James Gunn – who left Marvel Studios after overseeing the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy – oversees the creative side of DC’s overhaul as co-chairman and co-CEO alongside producer Peter Safran.
Filoni entered Star Wars as a supervising director on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, mentored closely by George Lucas. His animation background shaped a character-driven approach, expanding the prequel era with deeper emotional stakes and long-form storytelling.
He later became a central creative force in live-action, serving as an executive producer for Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and developing Ahsoka.
Fans React to Dave Filoni Taking Over Star Wars
Many fans have reacted positively to the idea of Filoni taking charge of Star Wars.
“I pray Filoni will cook up something thats peak cinema without the restrictions of the lady who ALLOWED THE SEQUELS TO HAPPEN,” wrote one X, formerly known as Twitter, user.
Another wrote, “Thank goodness. This is something all ‘Star Wars’ fans wanted since 2017 after the disaster film that was ‘The Last Jedi.’”
“So the one man that actually should have been in charge all along will actually be in charge,” one said.
However, not everyone is convinced.
RELATED: ‘Star Wars’ Franchise Takes Another Blow as ‘The Force Awakens’ Replaced
“If accurate it is a [disaster] for Filoni to be creative head,” one X user argued. “His personal interest in the animated characters has hurt recent shows and displays his disconnect with the general audience who should always be the priority, not the hardcore minority.”
Rest in Peace Star Wars
We’re definitely not getting old republic era just a lot of Dave filoni stuff (his characters from the clone wars, rebels etc)
Rest in Peace Star Wars
We’re definitely not getting old republic era just a lot of Dave filoni stuff (his characters from the clone wars, rebels etc) https://t.co/r2NJ0zMz7t pic.twitter.com/H6V7vxxYXT
— SENPAI DAMI 🇬🇧🇳🇬 (@SenpaiDam) January 6, 2026
Some also feel like a change in leadership isn’t enough to save the franchise.
“Until they realise that the magic of ‘Star Wars’ lies in it being a once-in-a-generation cinematic event, and not an evergreen franchise, things aren’t going to improve,” said one X user. “We need fewer projects, of a higher quality.”
Lucasfilm is expected to make the official announcement within the next two weeks. The Walt Disney Company is also expected to officially announce its new CEO early this year.
What do you think of the possible new leadership for Disney and Lucasfilm?