AceShowbiz - Kathleen Kennedy recently discussed her decision to step down as President of Lucasfilm after a 14-year tenure, while also addressing fan curiosity about Grogu’s communication in the upcoming The Mandalorian movie.

In January, it was officially announced that Kathleen Kennedy would be handing over leadership at Lucasfilm. Dave Filoni is set to become President and Chief Creative Officer, with Lynwen Brennan stepping in as Co-President. Following this transition, Kennedy plans to focus on full-time producing, continuing her key involvement in projects like The Mandalorian, Grogu’s storyline, and Star Wars: Starfighter.

At the Motion Picture Sound Editors’ Golden Reel Awards in Los Angeles, Kathleen Kennedy spoke to Variety about bringing the first live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian, to the cinema. One of the biggest questions from fans has been whether Grogu, who has only ever communicated through gentle coos and gurgles, will finally speak in the film. Since Grogu is the same species as the legendary Jedi Master Yoda, fans are eager to hear his voice.

Kathleen Kennedy explained that Grogu is designed as “another perfect example of a character that has to emote and you have to feel connected to, and he never speaks a word.” She emphasized that audiences will grow even more attached to the small green character on the big screen, reinforcing that “he never says a word.” Given that Yoda lived for 900 years and Grogu is currently around 50, fans may have to wait a long time before hearing Grogu speak.

Reflecting on her departure from Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy shared that the transition did not happen overnight. “It didn’t just happen six months ago,” she said, noting a decade-long effort to mentor Dave Filoni as he gradually took on live-action responsibilities after years of animation experience. She also highlighted Lynwen Brennan’s background at Industrial Light & Magic and her role as General Manager during Kennedy’s presidency, describing the leadership handover as “pretty seamless.”

Kathleen Kennedy further commented on the evolving relationship between Lucasfilm and its fanbase. She pointed out that the rise of social media brought new challenges and amplified fan expectations. “It really has created a kind of explosion,” she said, adding that fans have always been central to the franchise’s identity. This dynamic was something new to her but has grown increasingly important over time.

Following this interview, some fans expressed frustration on social media, considering the revelation about Grogu not speaking as a spoiler. The debate continues as anticipation builds for the film.

Directed and produced by Jon Favreau, the upcoming feature film spin-off will also have production input from Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni. Favreau shared his enthusiasm for the project, describing it as “extremely exciting” to bring the characters of The Mandalorian and Grogu to theaters for the first time.

Kathleen Kennedy praised the creative team, stating, “Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have ushered into Star Wars two new and beloved characters, and this new story is a perfect fit for the big screen.”

The film will see Pedro Pascal reprising his role as Din Djarin, with Sigourney Weaver joining the cast as Ward, a colonel leading the New Republic’s Adelphi Rangers who previously flew for the Rebel Alliance. The villain is expected to be Embo, a bounty hunter from The Clone Wars.

The Mandalorian and Grogu are scheduled to debut in theaters on May 22, 2026, marking an eagerly awaited expansion of the beloved series into the cinematic realm.

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Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic based in Dublin, Ireland.