Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership of Lucasfilm has sparked intense debate among *Star Wars* fans and critics, with many blaming her for the franchise’s perceived decline. However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced picture of successes, controversies, and cultural divides.
### Revitalizing the Franchise
Kennedy successfully relaunched *Star Wars* under Disney, starting with *The Force Awakens* (2015), which grossed [1]. Early projects like *Rogue One* (2016) and *Star Wars Rebels* reinvigorated interest in the Original Trilogy era, with *Rogue One* becoming a fan favorite despite extensive reshoots[1][7]. She also expanded the universe through Disney+ shows like *The Mandalorian* and *Andor*, which earned critical acclaim[7][10].
### Controversial Decisions and Backlash
Kennedy faced criticism for (e.g., Phil Lord/Chris Miller on *Solo*) and rushed storytelling in the Sequel Trilogy[1][8]. *The Rise of Skywalker* (2019) was widely panned for its disjointed plot, while *Solo* (2018) became the first *Star Wars* box-office bomb[1][6]. Critics like George Lucas’ ex-wife Marcia Lucas accuse her of lacking understanding of the franchise’s core themes[2][8].
### The “Woke” Debate
Kennedy’s emphasis on diversity sparked backlash from conservative commentators. Ben Shapiro called her hiring of director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy a “disaster,” framing it as pandering[3][9]. *The Acolyte* faced similar criticism, dubbed “The Wokelyte” for its diverse cast[2][10]. Kennedy defended these choices, stating storytelling must “mirror all individuals”[2], though critics argue this prioritizes ideology over narrative quality[6][9].
### Gender and Fan Culture
Some criticism of Kennedy carries . While she attributes backlash to a “predominantly male fan base”[2][5], actress Daisy Ridley countered that most fans are supportive[2]. Analysts note female creators in *Star Wars* often face disproportionate vitriol compared to male counterparts[5][7].
### Financial and Cultural Impact
Despite controversies, Kennedy’s tenure saw and successful streaming content[4][7]. However, critics argue over-saturation damaged the brand’s mystique, with 11 Disney-era projects compared to 6 films in the first 36 years[4][8].
In conservative circles, Kennedy symbolizes Hollywood’s “woke” shift, with detractors claiming she alienated core fans. Supporters counter that she modernized the franchise for new generations. While her legacy remains divisive, Kennedy undeniably shaped *Star Wars* into a multi-platform empire – for better or worse.
