The Walt Disney Company today announced plans to purchase Lucasfilm Ltd, the makers of all things Star Wars, from George Lucas. Disney will pay half of the $4.05 billion in cash and will issue about 40 million shares in stock for the remainder.
“It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers,” George Lucas said. “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.”
Disney also plans to release Star Wars: Episode VII, a new entry in the Star Wars franchise, many of whom thought ended at Episode VI. The film is planned to release in 2015. The House of Mouse will take control of all businesses related to the Star Wars franchise including LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, makers of Star Wars-related video games and products.
No word on how Disney will incorporate Star Wars into its products and services. Could the next Kingdom Hearts feature Luke Skywalker? Will Leia be inducted a one of the Disney Princesses? Or more importantly, what will Star Wars: Episode VII be about?
About Giancarlo Saldana
