Kathleen Kennedy Replaces Peter Rice as Head of LA28 Ceremonies

Key points

• Kathleen Kennedy, former president of Lucasfilm, has been named head of ceremonies and content for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Kennedy replaces Peter Rice, who recently became Netflix's chief content officer but will remain an executive producer for the ceremonies.
• The 2028 Summer Olympics will run from July 14 to 30, 2028, with the Paralympics following from August 15 to 27, 2028.
• Ceremonies will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
• LA28 chair Casey Wasserman praised Kennedy as a 'legend' and 'one of Hollywood's all-time greats' with a 'rare gift for storytelling.'
• Kennedy stated that the Olympics have been a 'touchstone' in her life, noting that she and her husband Frank Marshall have attended nearly every Games since 1984.

Background

Kennedy stepped down as president of Lucasfilm in early 2026 after a 14-year tenure that began just before Disney acquired the studio. She has since returned to independent producing with her husband, Frank Marshall, while still producing the upcoming 'Star Wars: Starfighter' film. Peter Rice had been appointed head of ceremonies in 2025 but recently moved to Netflix to become chief content officer. The LA28 organizing committee has faced scrutiny over costs and financial disclosures, with the Los Angeles city controller subpoenaing financial records from the organizers in October 2026.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter emphasized the transition from Peter Rice to Kathleen Kennedy, highlighting Rice's new role at Netflix and Kennedy's extensive producing credits. The Los Angeles Times focused on Kennedy's background as a veteran Hollywood producer and the logistical details of the ceremonies, noting the dual venues in Exposition Park and Inglewood. The New York Times provided a concise overview, noting Kennedy's age and her role as George Lucas's handpicked successor at Lucasfilm. All outlets agreed on the core facts of the appointment and the new slogan, but differed in emphasis: Deadline and THR highlighted the Hollywood connections and Kennedy's filmography, while the LA Times and NYT focused more on the logistical and historical aspects of the role.

Why it matters

The appointment of Kathleen Kennedy signals LA28's commitment to leveraging Hollywood's creative power for the 2028 Games. Kennedy's extensive experience in producing major franchises and her personal connection to the Olympics suggest a high level of ambition for the ceremonies. The transition from Peter Rice, who is now focused on Netflix, ensures continuity while bringing fresh leadership to the project. The new slogan 'Stars Align' and the involvement of prominent figures like Ben Winston and Scott Givens indicate a comprehensive approach to staging the events. This move also reflects the broader trend of integrating entertainment industry expertise into major sporting events, aiming to create a memorable and culturally significant experience for global audiences.

What to watch

Kennedy is expected to begin work immediately, moving from early development to production and execution. The opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics is scheduled for July 14, 2028, with the closing ceremony on July 30, 2028. The Paralympic ceremonies will follow from August 15 to 27, 2028. The LA28 organizing committee will continue to address concerns over costs and financial transparency, as highlighted by recent legislative hearings and subpoenas. The success of the ceremonies will be a key measure of LA28's ability to deliver on its promise of a 'bold vision' for the Games.