Rose Tico Actress Kelly Marie Tran Calls Kathleen Kennedy Exit “Such a Loss” for Lucasfilm

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Kelly Marie Tran, who played Rose Tico in the Star Wars films, has shared her thoughts on Kathleen Kennedy leaving Lucasfilm. She seems to view the departure not as a change in the company’s direction, but as a significant loss on a personal level, particularly regarding identity and the impact of long-term leadership.

Kelly Marie Tran, who played Rose Tico in the recent Star Wars films The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, recently discussed Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership at a Variety Studio event during the Sundance Film Festival. When asked about Kennedy’s time as president of Lucasfilm, Tran called it “a loss” for the Star Wars franchise.

Tran praised her remarkable career, noting it’s historically significant to have a woman excel in that position for so many years. While saddened by her departure, Tran expressed happiness for the new chapter in her life.

What’s striking about Tran’s response is not what she says — but what she doesn’t.

The article doesn’t discuss how well the movies are doing financially, what audiences think of them, or the growing disconnect between Lucasfilm and dedicated Star Wars fans. It also doesn’t cover the inconsistent quality of recent theatrical releases since 2019, the varied reactions to original shows on Disney+, or the difficulties and delays that have affected several planned films.

Instead, Tran’s praise centers almost entirely on Kennedy’s identity and duration in the role.

Kathleen Kennedy led Lucasfilm for over ten years, chosen directly by George Lucas. Her time as president saw the company grow rapidly, but also experienced changes in creative leadership and some controversial story decisions. Although the initial Star Wars sequels were financially successful, their overall effect on the franchise is still discussed, and The Rise of Skywalker is often seen as a response to fan criticism rather than a satisfying end to the story.

Since then, Lucasfilm has had difficulty getting a new Star Wars movie into theaters. They’ve announced several projects that either stalled, went through changes in directors and writers, or were cancelled without much fanfare. Interestingly, Disney+ shows like The Mandalorian quickly gained popularity by telling stories separate from the more recent Star Wars sequels – a difference fans have definitely noticed.

Tran’s comments notably avoid engaging with any of this context.

Kelly Marie Tran’s emphasis on Kathleen Kennedy’s departure being a loss for her gender and tenure suggests the focus is less on what Kennedy achieved and more on the importance of having women in leadership roles. This reflects a growing pattern in Hollywood, where discussions about who’s in charge often center on diversity and identity instead of results and performance.

This ignores the fact that the change in leadership at Lucasfilm is a result of – not separate from – years of increasing criticism, decreasing fan interest, and problems within the company.

This doesn’t take away from Kennedy’s important place in film history or her long career as a producer. However, many people are wondering if Lucasfilm can regain audience trust after her departure, and ensure the future of a franchise that once set the standard for blockbuster movies.

Tran’s remarks suggest that, at least from her perspective, that question may be secondary.

Whether fans agree is another matter entirely.

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2026-01-26 23:56