NEWS: Disney Purchases Lucasfilm for $4 Billion: New Star Wars Film Headed to Theaters in 2015

CULTURE: Disney Purchases Lucasfilm for $4 Billion: New Star Wars Film Headed to Theaters in 2015

by Damon Martin


[Bob and Kemper Suicide in Droids You're Looking For]

For years, George Lucas has said that he wanted to pass along the Star Wars franchise to a new generation of fans, and with a $4 billion sale he's done just that.

Lucas, who was the 100-percent sole owner of Lucasfilm, sold the property to Disney on Tuesday for a reported $4 billion sale price. Half of the transaction will be paid to Lucas in cash, with the other half coming in the form of 40 million shares of stock.

The purchase of Lucasfilm will also ensure a new Star Wars movie currently titled "Episode 7" will make it into theaters in 2015.

Current Lucasfilm co-chairman Kathleen Kennedy will now become Lucasfilm President, reporting directly to Disney head Alan Horn. Kennedy will also oversee the Star Wars franchise, and along with George Lucas, will begin immediate development on Star Wars: Episode 7. This will be the first major Star Wars film in theaters since Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, which was released in 2005.

“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm via press release. “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime.

"I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”

Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm adds onto its already impressive list of companies already under the corporation's control. Over the last few years, Disney has purchased Marvel Comics and Pixar Films, and now Lucasfilm joins the family as well.

Disney executives announced on a conference call with media that following the release of Star Wars: Episode 7, they will continue with episodes 8 and 9, with plans in place to release a new Star Wars film "every 2 to 3 years" after that. Executives stated that Episode 8 will likely land in theaters in 2017, followed by Episode 9 in 2019.

The purchase also includes the entire Indiana Jones franchise, Industrial Light and Magic, and Skywalker Sound. Disney also announced that the Star Wars franchise will become an integral part of their theme parks world wide.

But fans are no doubt wondering, will this move introduce a new generation to a rebranded and reinvigorated version of Star Wars or will the franchise be watered down with new films that ruin the legacy of the original trilogy and the iconic status of the sci-fi legend?

I'm looking forward to not having to sit through 100 more "updates" of episodes 4, 5, 6 .. but I can't say I'm too excited for episode 7...

In all honesty, I expect these new three to make the prequels look great in comparison.. Which isn't a good thing

Here's a video of an Interview with George about the future of the series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyqlTi7lkhY

Whoa.

I just wonder what's going to happen to the expanded universe timeline. I guess if Joss Whedon directs 7, 8, and 9 I'm ok.

Next... The Jar Jar Binks Trilogy!

Considering how proprietary Disney is over their properties, I just wonder what is in store for the 501st, The Rebel Legion, and the Mando Mercs.... Not to mention all the fan film makers, and prop builders out there. I want to see films 7-9 but not at the cost of the fan community being destroyed by litigation...

Please for the love of god get rid of the fucking NNNNOOOO in ROTJ!

I'm ok with this, they have done right by the marvel franchise as far as movies go, and the can lead to maybe a star wars movie by Pixar.

Rats! They beat me to it... I was gonna make an
offer tomorrow!

Fingers crossed. Of course....episodes 1-3 were kind of terrible and they were driven by Lucas himself. Time will tell. Any Star Wars is good Star Wars kind of thing.....

2 billion dollars in cash?

OH no...

I am not to sure why so many people are disappointed in this decision.
Personally i am beyond excited.
I cannot wait to see the future of Star Wars
and what Disney has to offer.

May the force be with you.

Maybe we'll finally get a Darth Revan film! Disney better not kiddy the series! :/

Exactly my thinking.

Please no.

So, will the movies have more or less racism as a result of this purchase?

Disney has produced some well made movies that have been targeted towards adults such as Forest Gump, Dead Poets Society, Armageddon, The Waterboy, Coyote Ugly, etc. since Disney also owns Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films. So I'm hoping despite Disney ruining Prince of Persia for me.

I absolutely would have included that if I saw it before the Disney conference call took place. As soon as that was over, I was writing the piece and sending it to my editor at SG

Honestly, episodes 2 and 3 were shit. Maybe Disney can get it right.

agreed .... you cant get worse than episode 3.....