Disney just announced that they have acquired Lucasfilm Ltd. for a mind boggling $4.05 billion in 50% cash and 50% stock! George Lucas has long fought rumors regarding new installments of the Star Wars film franchise. Well, here comes the next bomb…Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd. have come to an agreement on continuing the franchise in all formats for many many years to come starting with a new Star Wars film and yes, I do mean Star Wars Episode VII which is slated to hit sometime in 2015. Lucas will act as an adviser on everything Star Wars from this point forward.
If you haven’t been following the news at Lucasfilm, the man himself named his successor, Kathleen Kennedy, to oversee the future of the Star Wars universe a few months back. This news comes as a breath of fresh air and a reminder that the man who created a universe that changed the face of film making is aging. Here’s a statement from Lucas:
““For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. “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.”
I can’t help but get a little misty for all the Lucas done. Not just with his groundbreaking movies, but his various studios including Skywalker Sound whose presence is found in dozens upon dozens of movies.
According to Disney’s official press conference: “In 2005, $550 million was generated by the Revenge of the Sith in operating revenue” and in response to a question on international distribution, “Marvel is ahead of Lucasfilm internationally…both create huge opportunities and create revenue possibilities in the future“…”this was a value creating action for our shareholders.”
More notes from the conference…
“The first of three new movies will launch in 2015 with a likely release of each new film every other year after Episode VII…The seventh film is already in planning phases.”
You can read the official press release here: http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-news/press-releases/2012/10/disney-acquire-lucasfilm-ltd
