http://popcultureblog.dallasnews.com/20 ... erds.html/Disney just wasn’t big enough already, I guess. The company announced today that it has purchased Lucasfilm (you know, the Star Wars factory) for $4.05 billion.
They also announced a targeted 2015 release date of Star Wars: Episode 7. I have to assume that means the film will take place after Return of the Jedi, but that’s about all we know. Will it delve into the extended universe stuff seen in the books? Will Luke Skywalker be back? Who knows?
George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm, said in a 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.”
Combined with the fact that Disney also owns Marvel as well as Pixar, that’s a lot of beloved franchises under one roof.