In a significant shakeup for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Hollywood veteran Kathleen Kennedy has been appointed to replace Peter Rice as the head of ceremonies and content. This announcement comes soon after Netflix chose Rice to oversee a massive portfolio as chief content officer, raising questions about his dual responsibilities. Kennedy, whose extensive resume includes some of the most successful film franchises in cinema history, will now be instrumental in shaping the opening and closing ceremonies for the highly anticipated events in Los Angeles.
Kennedy Takes the Helm at LA28
The LA28 Olympic organizing committee confirmed Kennedy’s appointment, highlighting her vast expertise in the realm of entertainment. Although Rice will no longer hold the chief role, he will remain on board as an executive producer. Kennedy will begin her work immediately, collaborating with acclaimed executive producer and creative director Ben Winston and seasoned Olympic producer Scott Givens. This team aims to create unforgettable ceremonies for a global audience, supported by FulFive, a joint endeavor between Fulwell Entertainment and FiveCurrents.
Kathleen Kennedy: A Hollywood Legend
Kennedy, an Oscar-winning producer, boasts over 100 credits to her name, having been a pivotal figure in the film industry since the 1980s. She’s well-known for her work on blockbusters like the Star Wars franchise, and her films have garnered an impressive 120 Academy Award nominations and 25 wins. Having just parted ways with Lucasfilm after 14 remarkable years, she is stepping into this new challenge with a wealth of experience and creativity.
Praise from the LA28 Leadership
Casey Wasserman, chairperson and president of LA28, expressed his enthusiasm for Kennedy’s leadership. “Kathleen is a legend. She is one of Hollywood’s all-time greats, with a rare gift for storytelling,” he remarked. Wasserman believes that Kennedy is the perfect choice to harness the magic of Hollywood as the world turns its eyes on Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.
Personal Connection to the Olympics
Kennedy also shares a deep personal connection to the Olympics, having attended nearly every game since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics alongside her husband, Frank Marshall. She expressed her excitement for being involved, noting, “The Olympics have been a touchstone in my life… I’m honored to help celebrate every Olympian and Paralympian who come to compete.”
Background and Legacy
Her experience isn’t just in grand blockbusters; she produced a documentary titled Olympic Glory, covering the 1998 Olympic Games in Nagano. Additionally, Marshall received an Olympic Shield in 2005 for his contributions to the Olympic movement, emphasizing how central these events are to their family.
Rice’s replacement by another seasoned professional like Kennedy was hardly surprising. When Rice first took his role in 2025, he was praised for setting the standard expected for such a momentous event in one of the world’s creative capitals.
Looking Ahead to 2028
The LA28 Games will commence on July 14, 2028, with the opening ceremony, followed by the competition until July 30. The Paralympic games will kick off with their opening ceremony on August 15 and will conclude on August 27, hosted at venues including the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium.
Kennedy’s groundwork will be pivotal, particularly as the organization has unveiled a new slogan for the event, “Stars Align,” designed to inspire athletes and embody the spirit of unity and purpose that the Olympics represent. This slogan joins the established Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together” and the Paralympic motto “Change Starts with Sport.”
As Kennedy prepares to undertake this immense responsibility, she reflects on her time at Lucasfilm, suggesting that the challenge lies in balancing legacy with innovation. “I think that that’s the challenge that all franchises face… to try to create something new, something original,” she noted, as she gears up for her new role.
With the LA28 Olympic Games set to be a spectacular showcase of athletic talent and creativity, all eyes will be on Kennedy and her team as they strive to deliver an unforgettable experience for the athletes and viewers around the world.
