Disney Buys LucasFilm, Plans New ‘Star Wars’ Movie For 2015

Are you ready for a new Star Wars movie? Disney announced today that it was acquiring LucasFilms and could soon be adding another movie to the franchise.

Disney said that it is hoping to release Star Wars: Episode 7 in 2015.

George Lucas said:

“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.”

Disney acquired the company for about $4.05 billion in cash and stock.

Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, said:

“Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas. 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.”

Disney said that it was hoping to release a new Star Wars movie in 2015 but did not say where the story would go or who would be involved in the project.

Disney said in a press release that it was thrilled to add the Star Wars franchise to its portfolio. Lucas’ films have provided entertainment for the last 35 years and have grossed more than $4.4 billion at the box office.

Are you excited about this merger? Are you looking forward to a 7th Star Wars movie?