Walt Disney Co have struck a deal to acquire Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion, and are promising a new live-action Star Wars movie – Episode 7 – in 2015.
According to a press release, Star Wars: Episode 8 and 9 will follow with a movie every two to three years, and the deal includes an “extensive treatment” worked up by Lucasfilm on the post-Return Of The Jedi trilogy. George Lucas will be retained as a creative consultant.
Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said in a statement, “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.”
“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,” said George Lucas. “I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organisation, 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.”
The deal also gives Disney ownership of special effects company Industrial Light & Magic, sound effects company Skywalker Sound and videogame developer LucasArts.
It’s worth noting that this also means Disney now also own the Indiana Jones franchise…
The complete Star Wars saga (so far!) is available on Blu-ray priced £56.79 from Amazon.co.uk.
