UPDATED! Holy crap! Disney buys Lucasfilm for $4 Billion! Star Wars: Episode 7 on track for 2015!
Oct. 30, 2012
Disney once more has fortified their entertainment empire by acquiring one of the biggest brands in the world: STAR WARS. In a reported $4.05 billion dollar acquisition, The Walt Disney Company will gain 100% control of Lucasfilm and all associated properties, including LucasArts, Skywalker Sound, and Industrial Light + Magic.
Add to that the fact that The Hollywood Reporter and everyone are announcing a new STAR WARS movie is being scheduled for a 2015 release date! EPISODE VII people!!!!
There are not many details at this point, but it looks like the deal is cash and stock with Kathleen Kennedy remaining President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Disney chair Alan Horn.
This has got to be a joke, right? Disney gets Marvel and now Lucasfilm? I am tempering expectations that the new STAR WARS film is really happening. Could we finally get the STAR WARS sequel we have always been dreaming about? Could we get an adaptation of the Timothy Zahn novels? This is incredible news.
Here is George Lucas' statement: “For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next, 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.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger added this statement: “Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas. 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.”
Reports are stating that STAR WARS 7 will be released in 2015, but no word on whether it will be EPISODE VII. Kathleen Kennedy will be executive producer on "any future STAR WARS films" and George Lucas will remain a consultant.
It is interesting to note that Pixar was originally a part of Lucasfilm back in the day before splitting off and joining Disney. Looks like the whole gang is back together!
UPDATE: Per CEO Bog Iger, expect EPISODES 7, 8, and 9 as well as new television series! Per Deadline, Disney and Lucasfilm “have a pretty extensive treatment of the next three movies. Episode 7 will be released in 2015, the first under the Disney/Lucas banner,” he said, with Episode 8 and Episode 9 to follow. Disney plans to release a new Star Wars movie “every two to three years.” Disney also intends to pursue the Star Wars brand in their parks, with games and, “other initiatives,” CFO Jay Rasulo said. “Being that there hasn’t been a Star Wars film since 2005, a lot of the value we attribute to the deal is to come, added Rasulo.
Regarding TV: “We love the fact that this will take its place in our live-action strategy as a known and loved brand,” said Iger of his newest property. “We really like Star Wars’ potential on TV, and Disney XD would be a great home for that.” He did not provide any more details about future Stars Wars TV shows. He added that that the deal “combines two of the strongest family entertainment brands in the world.”
None of these new projects will be produced or financed in any way by 20th Century Fox. It is unknown how this will impact the CLONE WARS animated series or the control of the first six films in the STAR WARS saga. But, this likely means the source of funding the long in development STAR WARS live action series may be a non-issue now.
UPDATE: Here is video of Lucas and Kennedy explaining the move of Lucasfilm to Disney. Lucas sounds like he is gonna cry.
| Extra Tidbit: | UPDATE: latest reports state Disney has character rights to Indiana Jones as well. |
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| Source: | The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline |
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the old republic saga
Did anyone else have an "Is this April 1st" moment?
for the skeptics
"I hope they dont make it holly jolly children crap"- if it werent for Disney films, there wouldnt be much inspiration for other directors. Ever since Snow White, Disney has had a gold mine of films. They
"I hope they dont make it holly jolly children crap"- if it werent for Disney films, there wouldnt be much inspiration for other directors. Ever since Snow White, Disney has had a gold mine of films. They have a slew of directors they could easily hire that fit perfect for Star Wars. They know how bad 1 2 3 were, so they got an idea of what NOT to do.
How great would you feel if Disney re-released the original unedited untouched version in theaters? Or if they had Jedis walking around the parks? Its not like they spent 4 Billion to fuck things up.
yep it is the end times
Abrams has to be kicking himself...
Nolan needs to be kept far, far away from this. Star Wars can be dark (Empire), but gritty realism isn't going to work.
Nolan needs to be kept far, far away from this. Star Wars can be dark (Empire), but gritty realism isn't going to work.
Could they? Should they?
Will ths affect the 3D releases?
Star Wars needs to be darker and grittier then the Avengers. I'd love to see a creative mastermind overseeing this series like Whedon does with the Marvel Universe... The way i see the future of SW, i'd say Nolan is the man for the job! Also Mann's cinematography might apply well
Indiana Jones needs to be more lighthearted (but not to -nuking the fridge- lighthearted). I've always thought that Indy has all the right
Star Wars needs to be darker and grittier then the Avengers. I'd love to see a creative mastermind overseeing this series like Whedon does with the Marvel Universe... The way i see the future of SW, i'd say Nolan is the man for the job! Also Mann's cinematography might apply well
Indiana Jones needs to be more lighthearted (but not to -nuking the fridge- lighthearted). I've always thought that Indy has all the right ingredients, to make it a ongoing filmseries (like bond).
speechless
The Disney machine is really on the move first Pixar, Marvel and now Lucasfilm?? I wonder whose next.... Eon's James Bond?
The Disney machine is really on the move first Pixar, Marvel and now Lucasfilm?? I wonder whose next.... Eon's James Bond?
Fuck Yeah...
STAR wARS 7 on fast track for 2015?
George Lucas? No longer in control of Star Wars? Indiana Jones?
Star Wars episode VII staring.....
it doesn't sound right
There's something very wrong here...
How long before we learn Lucas has some terminal illness...
As sad as it sound, that would be the most logical explanation...
There's something very wrong here...
How long before we learn Lucas has some terminal illness...
As sad as it sound, that would be the most logical explanation...
damn you disney
*slow claps*
Shadows of the Empire!
This is awesome but
Finally!!!
The negotiation
Disney: "We're gonna give you $4 Billion dollars"
Lucas: "It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers..."
Disney: "We're gonna give you $4 Billion dollars"
Lucas: "It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers..."
Bravo Disney
Disney is running the table on high dollar franchises right now. Star Wars is such a vast universe there is no reason they couldn't release a movie every 3 years. $4 billion for Star Wars and they spend $4 billion for Marvel. That $4 billion for Marvel is looking like a steal right now. They might turn a profit on that deal with the release of Avengers 2. Star Wars will probably take a little longer to recoup investment
Disney is running the table on high dollar franchises right now. Star Wars is such a vast universe there is no reason they couldn't release a movie every 3 years. $4 billion for Star Wars and they spend $4 billion for Marvel. That $4 billion for Marvel is looking like a steal right now. They might turn a profit on that deal with the release of Avengers 2. Star Wars will probably take a little longer to recoup investment because they aren't releasing 2 films a year in that franchise (and probably never will).
Also, Star Wars won't truely feel like Star Wars to me without the 20th Century Fox fanfare leading into the main titles by John Williams. But if the new films are good, I'll be happy.
Also, Star Wars won't truely feel like Star Wars to me without the 20th Century Fox fanfare leading into the main titles by John Williams. But if the new films are good, I'll be happy.
And can you imagine - A Star Wars Theme Park in Orlando? Not just one ride... A whole theme park?
And can you imagine - A Star Wars Theme Park in Orlando? Not just one ride... A whole theme park?
Disney now owns Marvel and Lucasfilm
This is GREAT news
Now, what about an Original Trilogy Blu-ray release? Now that GL doesn't have any say in it. I wonder if Iger and the chairmen are just huge Star Wars fans and thought "Look, we have to get those original films on Blu-ray...let's just buy 'em out!"
Anyways...good news.
Now, what about an Original Trilogy Blu-ray release? Now that GL doesn't have any say in it. I wonder if Iger and the chairmen are just huge Star Wars fans and thought "Look, we have to get those original films on Blu-ray...let's just buy 'em out!"
Anyways...good news.
Outstanding!!!!!
HELL YES!!!!!!!!!!
Extra Tidbit
May the Mouse be with you
my two cents
not 2015!
I just crapped myself!
I'm thinking Peter Jackson and The Old Republic trilogy!
I'm thinking Peter Jackson and The Old Republic trilogy!
OKaayyy...
Short of that: HOLY SHIT!!!!!
Short of that: HOLY SHIT!!!!!
What?
Honestly
Three Words: (To direct the new Star Wars movie)
Whaaaa????!!!!!!!
THRAWN !!!
Any other script would have to compete with that and I have doubts it could surpass it. Zahn really nailed the Star Wars spirit while enhancing the universe brillantly with his own ideas and an illusive villain I like even better than the iconic Darth Vader.
In other great news: the new movies will NOT be written OR directed by Lucas himself. What a relief.
Any other script would have to compete with that and I have doubts it could surpass it. Zahn really nailed the Star Wars spirit while enhancing the universe brillantly with his own ideas and an illusive villain I like even better than the iconic Darth Vader.
In other great news: the new movies will NOT be written OR directed by Lucas himself. What a relief.
AMAZING
There has to be a movie coming!
THRAWN !!!
Any other script would have to compete with that and I have doubts it could surpass it. Zahn really nailed the Star Wars spirit while enhancing the universe brillantly with his own ideas and an illusive villain I like even better than the iconic Darth Vader.
In other great news: the new movies will NOT be written OR directed by Lucas himself. What a relief.
Any other script would have to compete with that and I have doubts it could surpass it. Zahn really nailed the Star Wars spirit while enhancing the universe brillantly with his own ideas and an illusive villain I like even better than the iconic Darth Vader.
In other great news: the new movies will NOT be written OR directed by Lucas himself. What a relief.
I just jabbaed in my hutt!!
I'm shocked
So many possibilities. This is awesome.
So many possibilities. This is awesome.
thank you
SHOULD I BE WORRIED????
Bittersweet but Awesome
These kind of business deals don't happen overnight and take many weeks, if not months or years, to happen. This has been planned for a some time, and only now is it official. I dig it.
UGH.
3D Movie - Young kid (Latino?) growing up in small village finds the fabled lightsaber of Luke Skywalker. From them on, it's all new planets, all new enemies, all new characters, all new story. NOTHING to do with Star Wars apart from name dropping.
In 20 years, you're all going to LOVE the prequel trilogy, and George Lucas will be a GOD who's work was destroyed.
3D Movie - Young kid (Latino?) growing up in small village finds the fabled lightsaber of Luke Skywalker. From them on, it's all new planets, all new enemies, all new characters, all new story. NOTHING to do with Star Wars apart from name dropping.
In 20 years, you're all going to LOVE the prequel trilogy, and George Lucas will be a GOD who's work was destroyed.
2015
i think to fit this window they either need to already have an early draft idea or they are going to adapt a book (series).
i think to fit this window they either need to already have an early draft idea or they are going to adapt a book (series).
Star Wars Episode 8: Revenge of the Zorg
Star Wars Episode 9: Return of the Ewoks (starring Lotso)
Star Wars Episode 8: Revenge of the Zorg
Star Wars Episode 9: Return of the Ewoks (starring Lotso)
WOW WOW WOW
Vince Lombardi said it best...
A pint of WTF over here please.
So Disney now owns Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm... In other words Disney owns the cultural psyche of every living male and any future male child to, well, infinity and beyond.
So Disney now owns Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm... In other words Disney owns the cultural psyche of every living male and any future male child to, well, infinity and beyond.
what on earth
OMFG
In all seriousness though, there's a massive library of official/non-official novels out there for STAR WARS that can be
In all seriousness though, there's a massive library of official/non-official novels out there for STAR WARS that can be showcased.
I can't feel my face...
A new Star Wars Movie with . . .
Lee
Shit
Lee
Shit