Kathleen Kennedy, the notable former president of Lucasfilm, has been appointed to oversee the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This exciting announcement comes as Kennedy transitions from her storied career in the film industry, where she has become a significant figure in Hollywood.
Replacing Peter Rice
Kennedy steps into this pivotal role following the departure of Peter Rice, who was recently appointed as Netflix’s chief content officer. Despite his exit from the Olympic organizing committee, Rice will continue to contribute as an executive producer, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter here.
Ceremony Responsibilities
In her new role, Kennedy will be at the helm of both the opening ceremony on July 14, 2028, and the closing ceremony on July 30, 2028. Additionally, she will oversee the Paralympic opening ceremony on August 15 and the closing ceremony on August 27.
A Tribute to Kennedy
Casey Wasserman, chairperson and president of LA28, praised Kennedy as a “legend” and “one of Hollywood’s all-time greats.” He expressed confidence in her ability to capture the essence of Hollywood during a global spotlight. “When the stars align to focus the world’s attention on Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I can’t think of anyone better to conjure the magic of Hollywood than Kathleen,” Wasserman remarked.
Kennedy’s Personal Connection
Kennedy has shared that the Olympics hold a significant place in her life, calling them “a touchstone.” She underscored the games as “one of the great unifying experiences we share.” Reflecting on her dedication to the event, she said, “My husband, Frank Marshall, and I have attended virtually every games since Los Angeles in 1984, and sport remains one of the great unifying experiences we share.”
She further acknowledged the groundwork laid by Peter Rice and expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Ben Winston, the creative director, and the entire LA28 team. “These games are rooted in Los Angeles, but with events from Oklahoma City to LA28’s six incredible soccer/football cities, all of America gets to host the world’s finest athletes, and I’m honored to help celebrate every Olympian and Paralympian who come to compete,” Kennedy stated.
Kennedy’s Legacy at Lucasfilm
Kennedy concluded her tenure at Lucasfilm in late 2025 after 14 impactful years as president. She retains her connection to the company known for iconic franchises like “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.” Recently, she has taken on producer roles for projects including last summer’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” and the upcoming “Star Wars: Starfighter,” led by Ryan Gosling.
More to come…
