Disney Acquires Lucasfilm

[Andy Chalk]

Disney Acquires Lucasfilm

Get ready for Star Wars Episode 7 in 2015. Seriously.

The Walt Disney Company announced today that it has entered into a deal to acquire Lucasfilm, which is currently wholly owned by founder, chairman and Star Wars Mastermind George Lucas, for a little more than $4 billion. Approximately half of the purchase price will be paid in cash, while the balance will be covered in the form of roughly 40 million shares in the company. Along with Lucasfilm, Disney will also take over Industrial Light and Magic, Skywalker Sound and gaming division LucasArts.

"For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next," Lucas said. "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."

Lucasfilm Co-Chair Kathleen Kennedy will take over as President, reporting directly to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn, and will also become Brand Manager of Star Wars, working with Disney to "build, further integrate, and maximize the value of this global franchise." She will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars films, with Lucas taking on the role of creative consultant. Speaking of new Star Wars films, Disney also confirmed that Star Wars Episode 7 is in the works and expected to be ready for release in 2015, and that more films will be developed and released "well into the future."

Well. I did not see that coming.

Source: StreetInsider.com [http://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/Disney+to+Acquire+Lucasfilm+Ltd./7828436.html]


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[el_kabong]

This is awesome and terrible at the same time. I predict fan-boy moaning about how Lucas shouldn't have sold. Then retorts that those same fan-boys wanted Lucas to have his hands off the franchise.

 

[doomboy29]

Disney might make Star Wars good again!

 

[Jetsetneo]

Uhh...uhh....uhh... what is this?! I don't?! The possibilities...mind boggling.

 

[Ne1butme]

Well, here's hoping that George won't be the director. And since he's not in charge "yes george, what ever you say George" will be heard a lot less on a SW set.

 

[Kielgasten]

I think this is wholly good. At the very least, the universe will have a chance to live on.
This is much preferable to the opposite.

 

[Veldel]

It was as if a billion fans screamed out and where then silenced.


OT: im wondering how they plan to do a movie will the old cast return?

 

[vrbtny]

Gratuitous link linked gratuitously.

http://nooooooooooooooo.com/

Seriously, though.... Stars Wars 7.... seriously?

Seriously serious?

or

Serious seriously?

 

[Sylveria]

Hopefully Star Wars will now be safe from the tyrannical madness of George Lucas. Maybe we'll even get a Blu-Ray release of the pre-special edition cuts.

 

[Ne1butme]

Well, Disney did bring back the Muppets in spectacular fashion. Maybe SW will work the same.

 

[vrbtny]

Well, Disney did bring back the Muppets in spectacular fashion. Maybe SW will work the same.

Holy shit!! What does Patrick Stewart playing John Oliver think about this?

Awesome avatar.....

Me envy

 

[Flamezdudes]

MY MIND IS FULL OF FUCK.

I just... this came out of nowhere. This better be good.

 

[fix-the-spade]

This is awesome and terrible at the same time

Indeed, after years of saying that Lucas should let go of Star Wars, it's hard to fully comprehend now that it's actually happened.

As for Episode 7, that will be interesting. Given that Disney in the last twenty years have brought us Pixar and Marvel movies I'm cautiously optimistic about it. As long as I can get the IV-VI theatrical versions in HD it doesn't matter anyway, I'm set.

#Edit, turned on the stereo, first song: Surprise Surprise - Billy Talent. Even the speakers are in on it...

 

[Anachronism]

Ok, first of all, at the risk of being predictable:


Now, more seriously. Why? Why Episode 7? What is the point? As much as people tend to hate the prequels, the saga as it currently stands tells one consistent story: the rise, fall and redemption of Anakin Skywalker. The story is done, there's no need for more films. What would be gained by adding to that?

Oh wait, I forgot. Money. As if The Avengers didn't earn Disney enough.

 

[NLS]

I, I.... I just don't know, what the hell just happened?
First Marvel, now LUCASARTS? I'd bet they'll implement "Han shot Greedo with a water gun that tickled him to death" in the next format iteration.
Also, episode VII? It's not like they can just hire Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford to... wait a second, harrison ford reprising his role as Han Solo might not be such a bad idea, unless they of course make it into the Star Wars equivalent of Indy Jones and the kingdom of the crystal skull.

But where do they really go from there? Will Episode VII be a prequel (again), just to further fuck up the chronology of the series, will they go into new territories in a far distant future, a sort of reverse-kotor? Or will they try their luck on the already established Thrawn or Yuuzhan Vong storylines? Or do they simply make a reunion episode with all the old actors? So many questions, and so little time left until 2015. It feels too early for a new entry in the Star Wars film universe.

 

[Aris Khandr]

I'm not surprised. Lucas and Disney have been working together more and more with the Star Tours and Indiana Jones rides at the parks, as well as various shows and events. If Lucas was going to sell to anyone, Disney would be a no-brainer for the pick.

I can't help but wonder if this is a harbinger of things to come, though. Much like Steve Jobs stepping down at Apple.