George Lucas will sell Lucasfilm to Disney. Star Wars VII to be Released in 2015.
George Lucas has made another power move that is sure to increase his already Billion dollar networth. He has sold his company Lucasfilm to Disney for a whopping $4.05 Billion dollars.
This extends Disney’s holdings to include such coveted brands as: ESPN, Pixar, Marvel and ABC Television. (I have no idea why the damn stock doesn’t move)
What does this mean?
It means that there will be a “Star Wars: Episode VII” for sure. That’s right, Disney announced that they will continue with the Star Wars franchise. 
It has always been Lucas’ plan to have the Star Wars saga to contain 9 chapters and to extend over multiple generations. As Lucas ages (he is now 68), he has decided to hand the throne over to the next generation of filmmakers to produce the last third of the 3 series trilogy which we hope will be Episodes VII, VIII and IX.
In the video below Lucas talks about his plan and the passing of the Star Wars legacy to the Disney team.
Lucas told the media in a press release today,
“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.”
In the video below Lucas talks about his plan and the passing of the Star Wars legacy to the Disney team.
Of course Robert Iger – CEO of The Walt Disney Company released a statement of his own,
“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.”
Lucas will only remain on as a creative consultant. He has turned the day to day business to the current co-chairman Kathleen Kennedy who will most likely become the President.
Not sure what’s next for George, but I hope that Disney can deliver to his expectations. Episode VII is slated for release in 2015.
I now bring you – George Lucas in “Pimpin ain’t Easy”
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