Kathleen Kennedy to Lead LA Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies After ‘Star Wars’ Exit, Replacing Peter Rice

Kathleen Kennedy, the former head of Lucasfilm, has been tapped to lead the opening and closing ceremony of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

She’s replacing Peter Rice, who was hired as Netflix’s chief content officer earlier this week. He will remain involved in the organization in an executive producer.

LA28 chairperson and president Casey Wasserman called Kennedy a “legend” and “one of Hollywood’s all-time greats.”

“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,” he said.

Kennedy described the Olympics as “a touchstone in my life” and referred to the games as ” one of the great unifying experiences we share.”

“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,” Kennedy said. “Peter Rice has laid a terrific foundation, and I can’t wait to get to work with Ben Winston, our creative director, and the whole 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.”