The Walt Disney Company buys the George Lucas studio for $4.05 billion with plans to make 'Star Wars Episode 7' for a 2015 release.
- Oct 31, 2012
AceShowbiz - It's confirmed, more "Star Wars" movies from George Lucas' company Lucasfilm Ltd. are officially in the works following its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. On Tuesday, October 30, Disney announced that it had agreed to obtain Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion with plans to make "Star Wars Episode 7" for a 2015 release.
Not only that, but Disney also planned to make a new "Star Wars" trilogy beginning from 2015 with each movie being released every other year. Upon announcing the big acquisition, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated, "Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas."
"This transaction combines a world-class portfolio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney's unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets to generate sustained growth and drive significant long-term value."
George Lucas, who picked Kathleen Kennedy as his Lucasfilm successor back in June, added, "For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next. 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."
Under the deal, Disney now has the ownership of Lucasfilm's franchises including "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones". Kathleen Kennedy will serve as the brand manager for the "Star Wars" franchise, working directly with Disney's global lines of business. The Mouse House will also obtain the substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that have kept audiences enthralled for many years.
Lucasfilm's "Star Wars" franchise has flourished for more than 35 years. Its feature films have grossed a total of $4.4 billion globally to date.
Disney to Acquire Lucasfilm:
The Future of "Star Wars" Movies:
