Former Lucasfilm Boss Kathleen Kennedy to Lead Los Angeles Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Hollywood producer and former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has been tasked with leading production of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Organizers had to make the switch when their original choice to lead the ceremonies, Peter Rice, took a job as Chief Content Officer at Netflix. Rice will, however, stay on as an executive producer.
Kennedy will put together a team of producers for both the opening and the closing ceremonies.
The opening ceremony is set to take place on July 14 at the Los Angeles Coliseum and SoFi Stadium at the same time.
In a statement, the organizers said the appointment reinforces LA28's commitment to harness the unparalleled creativity, cultural influence and storytelling power of the entertainment capital of the world, with ceremonies that are distinctly Los Angeles and leave a lasting impression on the global stage.
Kennedy led Lucasfilm after George Lucas sold the company to Disney.
As a producer, Kennedy's credits include massive films such as 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial', 'Back to the Future' and 'Jurassic Park'.
With less than two years left before the Los Angeles Olympics begin, the appointment was made to move preparations for the ceremonies forward.
