Kathleen Kennedy to Oversee LA28 Olympic Ceremonies After Lucasfilm Departure

Kathleen Kennedy, a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, known for her leadership at Lucasfilm, will now bring her visionary talent to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. Her appointment to orchestrate the momentous opening and closing ceremonies marks a significant transition, following Peter Rice's move to Netflix as chief content officer, though he will maintain an executive producer role within the Olympic organization.

Kathleen Kennedy Assumes Leadership of LA28 Olympic Ceremonies

In an exciting development announced on October 28, 2026, Kathleen Kennedy, the distinguished former president of Lucasfilm, has been selected to head the creative direction for the opening and closing festivities of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. This prominent position sees her succeed Peter Rice, who recently took on the role of chief content officer at Netflix. Rice will, however, continue his involvement with the Olympic committee as an executive producer.

Casey Wasserman, the chairperson and president of LA28, lauded Kennedy's appointment, referring to her as an industry icon and an unparalleled talent in Hollywood. Wasserman expressed immense confidence in Kennedy's ability to infuse the ceremonies with the distinctive magic of Hollywood, especially as Los Angeles prepares to captivate the world's attention during the 2028 Games.

Kennedy herself conveyed her deep personal connection to the Olympic Games, describing them as a pivotal element of her life and a profound unifying global experience. She shared that she and her husband, Frank Marshall, have been steadfast attendees of nearly every Games since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, underscoring the universal appeal of sport. Kennedy praised the groundwork laid by Peter Rice and eagerly anticipates collaborating with creative director Ben Winston and the entire LA28 contingent. She emphasized that while the Games are intrinsically linked to Los Angeles, the inclusion of cities from Oklahoma City to six other football hubs means that the entire nation will play host to the world's premier athletes, a role she is honored to support in celebrating every Olympian and Paralympian.

Kennedy concluded her 14-year tenure as president of Lucasfilm at the close of 2025. She continues to maintain ties with the cinematic powerhouse responsible for the "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" sagas, having recently contributed as a producer for "The Mandalorian and Grogu" last summer and the forthcoming "Star Wars: Starfighter," starring Ryan Gosling.

The selection of Kathleen Kennedy to helm the ceremonies for the LA28 Olympics is a stroke of genius, promising an unparalleled fusion of athletic prowess and cinematic artistry. Her extensive experience in crafting narratives and orchestrating large-scale productions through her illustrious career at Lucasfilm ensures that the world will witness an opening and closing spectacle unlike any other. This move not only underscores the deep ties between sports and entertainment in Los Angeles but also signals a new era where the Olympic spirit is amplified by the creative brilliance of Hollywood's finest. Spectators worldwide can anticipate a truly unforgettable celebration that transcends traditional boundaries, leaving a lasting impression on the global stage.