The internet just imploded. Why?
Disney has bought Lucasfilm and has set Star Wars: Episode VII for a 2015 release, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Tuesday.
And no, we’re not making this up.
Per The Reporter, Disney purchased George Lucas’ Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion.
Lucas, who wrote and directed the Star Wars prequels, will serve only as “creative consultant” on a new Star Wars trilogy. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy will executive produce Episode VII and all future Star Wars films.
“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, in a statement. “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers.”
Lucas continued: “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 a video released Tuesday, in concert with the press release, Lucas revealed that he has written a treatment for Episode VII and outlines for VIII and IX. Those story docs have been handed over to Kennedy, who has already met with writers to discuss plans for the new trilogy.
Disney will follow Episode VII’s 2015 release with Episodes VIII and IX, with long-term plans in the works to have a new Star Wars film in theatres every two or three years.
As for Lucasfilm’s other big franchise, Indiana Jones, Disney has also acquired the rights to that property. But since Paramount Pictures released those films, Disney will have to sort through some red tape before engaging a new Indy film. Currently, Disney has no plans to toy with the Indy series.
The next chapter in the Star Wars saga is set for release in the same year as Justice League and Disney’s other major blockbuster, Marvel’s The Avengers 2. In addition to Lucasfilm, Disney now also owns Pixar and Marvel.
We know your mind is blown, but what say you about the new Star Wars movie in the works? Do you want it to include Han, Chewie and Luke? Or start from scratch with a brand new set of characters? Discuss below!
Watch George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy talk the future of Star Wars:
