Kathleen Kennedy Reflects on Lucasfilm Legacy, Grogu's Silence in New 'Mandalorian' Movie

Outgoing Lucasfilm president discusses sound design's importance, AI's role in filmmaking, and the future of the Star Wars franchise

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In her acceptance speech for a career achievement award from the Motion Picture Sound Editors, Kathleen Kennedy, the former president of Lucasfilm, discussed the importance of sound design in filmmaking, her transition out of the company, and what's next for the Star Wars franchise, including the upcoming 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' movie where the popular character will not gain the power of speech.

Why it matters

Kennedy's reflections provide insight into her legacy at Lucasfilm, the future direction of the Star Wars franchise under new leadership, and the evolving role of technology like AI in the film industry. Her comments on Grogu's continued silence in the new movie also highlight the character's appeal and the creative team's commitment to preserving that aspect of the beloved figure.

The details

During her acceptance speech, Kennedy emphasized the crucial role of sound design in bringing characters and stories to life, citing examples like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She also discussed her 10-year process of mentoring Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan to take over leadership of Lucasfilm. Backstage, Kennedy clarified her views on AI in filmmaking, stating she prefers the term 'augmented reality' and believes these tools should complement, not replace, human creativity. She also confirmed that Grogu will not gain the power of speech in the upcoming 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' movie, despite Yoda's broken English, as the character's emotive silence is a key part of his appeal.

  • Kennedy received the honorary award from the Motion Picture Sound Editors at their annual Golden Reel Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' movie is set for release in May 2026.

The players

Kathleen Kennedy

The former president of Lucasfilm, who is known for producing iconic films like 'Jurassic Park,' 'Back to the Future,' and 'Schindler's List.' She is transitioning out of her leadership role at Lucasfilm after 10 years.

Dave Filoni

The new president and chief creative officer of Lucasfilm, who has been mentored by Kennedy over the past 10 years to take on a larger role in the live-action Star Wars universe.

Lynwen Brennan

The new co-president of Lucasfilm, who previously worked as the general manager at Industrial Light & Magic and has been part of the Lucasfilm leadership team alongside Kennedy.

Ben Burtt

The iconic sound designer who has worked on numerous Star Wars projects and presented the career achievement award to Kennedy at the Golden Reel Awards.

Grogu

The popular character from the Star Wars series, also known as 'Baby Yoda,' who will appear in the upcoming 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' movie but will not gain the power of speech.

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What they’re saying

“Sound helps root the story. It helps represent where characters are, not only geographically, but emotionally. It helps foreshadow the intent of a character or define what they're going through. In short, it takes the audience on the journey of the film.”

— Kathleen Kennedy, Former President, Lucasfilm (Variety)

“[Steven and I] spent so much time worrying about how E.T. was going to look, but it wasn't until we heard those heavy, shuffling footsteps and the raspy, melodic breathing that E.T. became real. He wasn't a puppet anymore, he was a friend.”

— Kathleen Kennedy, Former President, Lucasfilm (Variety)

“Audiences will fall deeper in love with the popular character 'on the big screen, and he never says a word.'”

— Kathleen Kennedy, Former President, Lucasfilm (Variety)

What’s next

The upcoming 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' movie is set for release in May 2026, and fans are eagerly anticipating seeing the popular character on the big screen while maintaining his signature silent persona.

The takeaway

Kathleen Kennedy's reflections on her tenure at Lucasfilm and the future of the Star Wars franchise under new leadership highlight the enduring importance of sound design, the careful balance between technology and human creativity, and the power of iconic characters like Grogu to captivate audiences without the need for dialogue.