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LOS ANGELES – The force remains with Lucasfilm Ltd. President Kathleen Kennedy.
The former Hollywood producer has renewed her three-year contract with the production company Star Wars, which she oversees since 2012, according to a person familiar with the subject.
Ms. Kennedy's extension to 2021 continues her reign, overseeing one of Hollywood's most famous brands, but it comes shortly after the franchise has faced a significant disappointment with fan returns and box office.
Since Walt Disney Co. bought Lucasfilm for $ 4 billion in 2012, the company has created the George Lucas Space Opera in one of its franchises, with Marvel Studios and Pixar Animation. In some cases, Disney was successful, with its first installment, "Star Wars: The Awakening of the Force" in 2015, to become the most popular national film of all time with $ 937 million.
Other hits produced by Disney include "Rogue One" in 2016. "The Last Jedi", garnering $ 620 million at the national box office in 2017, dividing the fans who have felt the developments of its history s & # Away from Star Wars mythology.
The release of "Solo" about six months after "The Last Jedi" has turned out to be a mistake. Han Solo's original story, in May 2018, was marked by negative reviews and is the lowest "Star Wars" title in history, with $ 214 million.
The production of "Solo" was also shaken by the sudden dismissals of Ms. Kennedy, the directors of the film, Chris Lord and Phil Miller, who were replaced by Ron Howard. Other talent reorganizations under his leadership took place on "Rogue One" and the next episode "Star Wars", scheduled for the end of 2019.
In addition to the 2019 installment, Lucasfilm is currently developing new features and TV shows, some of which are being produced for a Disney-branded streaming service launched late next year. The most anticipated attractions of Star Wars are expected to open at Disneyland and Walt Disney World next year.
Before coming to Lucasfilm, Ms. Kennedy worked as a Hollywood producer on some of the most popular films of the last decades, including "E.T .: The Extra Terrestrial", "Jurassic Park" and "Lincoln".
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