Kathleen Kennedy Replaces Peter Rice as Head of Ceremonies and Content for L.A.’s Olympic Games (Exclusive)
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
Kathleen Kennedy has been appointed head of ceremonies and content for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, replacing Peter Rice in the lead role. She will help shape the opening and closing ceremonies, which will be watched around the world, while Rice remains involved as an executive producer.
Kennedy is a veteran Hollywood producer with more than 100 credits; films she has worked on have received 120 Academy Award nominations and won 25 Oscars. She left Lucasfilm in 2026 after 14 years leading the company. She will work with creative director Ben Winston and production executive Scott Givens, with ceremonies supported by FulFive. Events will span Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and six football host cities.
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In short
- Kathleen Kennedy will lead creative work on LA28 ceremonies.
- Peter Rice will remain as an executive producer.
- Events will take place across several US cities.
How this story developed
- 4 minutes ago Kathleen Kennedy has been appointed head of ceremonies and content for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, replacing Peter Rice in the lead role.
- Variety Kathleen Kennedy to Lead LA Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies After ‘Star Wars’ Exit, Replacing Peter Rice
- The Hollywood Reporter Kathleen Kennedy Replaces Peter Rice as Head of Ceremonies and Content for L.A.’s Olympic Games (Exclusive)
- Deadline Kathleen Kennedy Takes Over LA28 Ceremonies Spot; Netflix Newbie Peter Rice Will Still EP Opener & Closer
Explained simply
The Olympic and Paralympic Games bring together athletes from many countries for competitions held every four years. Their opening and closing ceremonies introduce the events and host city, and are broadcast to audiences around the world.
Los Angeles is due to host the 2028 Games, with events also planned in Oklahoma City and six football host cities. The ceremonies are large-scale productions involving creative and production teams, and help present the Games to viewers as well as people attending in person.
Kathleen Kennedy is a film producer known for work on more than 100 films, including many made with Lucasfilm, which she led for 14 years. Her experience in film production is relevant to the planning of ceremonies that combine storytelling, performance and live events.
Coverage · 3 sources
- The Hollywood ReporterKathleen Kennedy Replaces Peter Rice as Head of Ceremonies and Content for L.A.’s Olympic Games (Exclusive)
- VarietyKathleen Kennedy to Lead LA Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies After ‘Star Wars’ Exit, Replacing Peter Rice
- DeadlineKathleen Kennedy Takes Over LA28 Ceremonies Spot; Netflix Newbie Peter Rice Will Still EP Opener & Closer