Disney CEO Bob Iger explains the December release date for Star Wars: Episode VII

Some of you were concerned when it was rumored Disney didn't want to push back STAR WARS: EPISODE VII until 2016, but at least they're going to give J.J. Abrams a few extra months by releasing it in December instead of May, right? Disney CEO Bob Iger recently talked to IGN about the December release date, and says part of the reason why the new film won't be released in May like previous STAR WARS movies is because of the recent change in writers.

"Well, this is obviously one of the most important films that we are working on right now. And one of the things that was very important to us is that we give the creative team, J.J. Abrams and his writing team, the time to design, write and produce the film so we can optimize quality, so they can create a great film. Very, very important. And at one point we considered the summer of 2015, but it felt like, particularly with some changes we made in the writing team, that that was going to create a bit of a rush and didn't think that was optimal for obvious reasons. So Christmas 2015 became the date."

Iger also says they're hopeful that Disney will get some AVATAR luck with the new film, since it will be released on the same day James Cameron's film did when it hit theaters back in 2009.

"Happens to be the date which Avatar, which is the No. 1 movie of all time, was released, so we like that. Hopefully that brings good luck, even though that wasn't our film. And Christmas is a good time we think for a film like Star Wars, which will have obvious interest for young people and old people alike. From everyone."

Really though, does Disney need any luck at all when it comes to STAR WARS: EPISODE VII being profitable? They could release it in the middle of February, and it would still make a ton of cash. We all know the new STAR WARS film will perform just fine in theaters: the question is, will it be a great movie or not? Hopefully J.J. Abrams and company will have enough time to deliver an awesome new movie, and it won't just be a mediocre offering that puts even more money in Disney's pockets.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will be in theaters December 18th, 2015.