Getty Images Original artwork titled ‘Bounty Hunters in Cloud City’ by Ralph McQuarrie is displayed April 4, 2002 at the exhibit ‘Star Wars: The Magic of the Myth’ at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in Brooklyn, New York.
The Force is still with us.
Disney announced today that its acquiring Lucasfilm Ltd. The deal includes the “Star Wars” franchise, and plans have been launched to make a seventh film in the “Star Wars” series, and to continue the franchise beyond that.
In a press release, the company announced “Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas.”
The release went on to say “Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm…Ms. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future.”
Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, said in the release that there is “substantial pent up demand” for a new “Star Wars” movie. “In 2015, we’re planning to release Star Wars Episode 7 – the first feature film under the ‘Disney-Lucasfilm’ brand,” Iger said. “That will be followed by Episodes 8 and 9 – and our long term plan is to release a new Star Wars feature film every two to three years.”
Jay Rasulo, senior executive vice president and CFO, The Walt Disney Company, added in the release that “We also expect to utilize Star Wars in other businesses including Parks & Resorts, in games and in our television business.”
“Star Wars” feature films have taken in $4.4 billion in
global box office to date
.
What do you think? Can the coming “Star Wars” films live up to the old ones? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Follow me on Twitter
@cjfarley
