Kathleen Kennedy Named to Lead Ceremonies for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Kathleen Kennedy, who served as president of Lucasfilm, has been appointed head of ceremonies and content for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, organizers announced.

She succeeds Peter Rice, who was named Netflix's chief content officer earlier this week, taking over from Bela Bajaria. Rice will stay involved with the LA28 Games as an executive producer, according to a first report from the Hollywood Reporter.

In the new role, Kennedy will oversee delivery of all four ceremonies. The Olympic opening is set for July 14, 2028, and the closing for July 30. The Paralympic opening follows on Aug. 15, with the closing on Aug. 27.

LA28 chairperson and president Casey Wasserman called Kennedy a "legend" and "one of Hollywood's all-time greats." He added: "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."

Kennedy described the Olympics as "a touchstone in my life" and called the games "one of the great unifying experiences we share." She said Wasserman has "a bold vision for what these Games can mean for Los Angeles and the world," and that she was thrilled to be asked to help bring it to life.

She noted that she and her husband, Frank Marshall, have attended virtually every games since Los Angeles in 1984. Kennedy also praised her predecessor, saying Rice "has laid a terrific foundation." She said she looks forward to working with Ben Winston, the creative director, and the wider LA28 team.

Kennedy left Lucasfilm at the end of 2025 after 14 years as president. She still has ties to the company behind "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones." Recent credits include last summer's "The Mandalorian and Grogu" and the upcoming "Star Wars: Starfighter," which is led by Ryan Gosling.

A widely respected producer, Kennedy worked closely with Steven Spielberg on films including "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "Jurassic Park" and "Lincoln." She also helped select J.J. Abrams to direct 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which revived the franchise and earned more than $2 billion globally.

Her time at Lucasfilm had both highs and lows. Among the disappointments were 2018's "Solo: A Star Wars Story" and 2023's "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny."