Kathleen Kennedy to oversee LA28 Olympic ceremonies

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 15:39 · Archive

Producer Kathleen Kennedy will oversee the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Kathleen Kennedy has been appointed to oversee the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The 73-year-old producer replaces Peter Rice in the role of head of ceremonies and content, though Rice remains as an executive producer.

Kennedy left her position as president of Lucasfilm in January after holding the role since 2012. During her tenure at the studio, she oversaw the modern era of Star Wars films and television shows. Her broader producing credits include E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park. She has received eight Academy Award nominations but has not won.

The opening ceremony will take place on July 14, 2028, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Kennedy will lead a team that will also design the closing ceremony and both ceremonies for the Paralympics, which will follow the Olympic Games.

Casey Wasserman, LA28 chairperson and president, said in a statement: "Kathleen is a legend. She is one of Hollywood's all-time greats, with a rare gift for storytelling." He added that he could not think of anyone better to "conjure the magic of Hollywood" for the Games. Kennedy responded that she is "thrilled" by the opportunity and praised Wasserman's "bold vision" for what the Games can mean for Los Angeles and the world.

Kennedy joins a ceremonies team that already includes Ben Winston, an Emmy-winning producer serving as executive producer and creative director, and Scott Givens as executive producer of production. The same day organizers announced the appointment, LA28 unveiled "Stars Align" as the official slogan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

How it is being reported

• Olympics tap former Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy to lead opening and closing ceremoniesKennedy will lead production of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics opening and closing ceremonies after original choice Peter Rice took a job at Netflix.Fox News · 29 Oct, 15:25
• ‘Star Wars’ producer Kathleen Kennedy tapped to bring Hollywood magic to LA OlympicsThe Summer Olympics are two years away from hitting the streets of Los Angeles, and the event’s committee announced that legendary film producer Kathleen Kennedy will oversee the opening and closing ceremonies of content. Kennedy, who is a Hollywood veteran, will be replacing Peter Rice, who recently joined Netflix as its new chief content officer....New York Post · 28 Oct, 23:18
• Star Wars producer Kathleen Kennedy set to bring Hollywood magic to LA28 GamesKathleen Kennedy’s appointment to oversee the Olympics and Paralympic ceremonies was confirmed WednesdayIndependent Sport · 28 Oct, 18:22

In this story: Kathleen Kennedy · Peter Rice · Casey Wasserman · Los Angeles · Lucasfilm · LA28 · Netflix

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