Disney Buys Lucasfilm, Planning Star Wars Episode 7



Not technically games news, but we thought you might want to be across this, considering Lucasfilm’s history in video games, and because… Star Wars. News is breaking that Disney has just bought Lucasfilm for the grand sum of $4.05 billion and aims to release an official new Star Wars movie in 2015.

Until now, Lucasfilm was 100% owned by George Lucas, meaning he pockets the entire sum.

“Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “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 claims it’s all about passing the torch.

“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” he 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. 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.”

There is a definite plan in place to create a Star Wars Episode 7. That will be happening (whether you like it or not!) and George Lucas will apparently still play a part in production, serving as a consultant on the movie, whilst Kathleen Kennedy, the new President of Lucasfilm will produce the movie.

Pretty incredible news.

Via Disney