Slowly but surely Disney is buying up all the things we love. They currently own Marvel, Pixar, ESPN and ABC, and now they can add another BIG feather in their mouse cap. For the impressive sum of $4.05 billion, Disney has bought Lucasfilm Ltd. from George Lucas. They also announced a new STAR WARS movie (specifically “Episode VII“) will be released in 2015. This news comes shortly after Lucas announced his retirement and made uber-producer Kathleen Kennedy head of the company.
It’s moments like this where being the webmaster of a movie and entertainment news website is frustrating, as I first heard about this acquisition months ago, and have had to wait patiently until any sort of official announcement was made. Adding insult to injury, the announcement came while I was on the road running errands, so we’re a little behind in posting about it. Nevertheless, it’s a legitimate story, and worth a bit of dicussion. For instance, the obvious questions would include the storyline of the proposed Episode VII – would it continue from the original trilogy, or include any of the original characters? Lucas is said to be a “consultant”, but who would write the script? Who would direct? Likely it will be set far in the future with new characters and new worlds. With Kathleen Kennedy at the helm, is there a chance we may see directors like Joe Johnston, Robert Zemeckis, or even (dare to dream) Steve Spielberg in the director chair?
Then there’s the rather obvious reality of Disney buying Lucasfilm’s library and characters. Sure, the idea of new movies and whatnot is exciting, but let’s not kid ourselves. There’s one reason and one reason only Disney would want Lucasfilm – theme parks. Can you imagine a LUCAS LAND? Or even a full STAR WARS theme park? Imagine the money something like that could generate in the span of a year.
We want to know your thoughts in the comments at the bottom of the page. You can also read the full AP press release below. Is this a good thing for STAR WARS fans? Do you want more movies? Would you visit a STAR WARS theme park? Also think about the year 2015 – we’ve already got big screen blockbusters like THE AVENGERS 2, JUSTICE LEAGUE, and AVATAR 2 coming… and now a new STAR WARS movie?!? Wow.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Disney is paying $4.05 billion to buy Lucasfilm Ltd., the production company behind “Star Wars,” from its chairman and founder, George Lucas. It’s also making a seventh movie in the “Star Wars” series called “Episode 7,” set for release in 2015, with plans to follow it with Episodes 8 and 9 and then one new movie every two or three years.
The Walt Disney Co. announced the blockbuster agreement to make the purchase in cash and stock Tuesday. The deal includes Lucasfilm’s prized high-tech production companies, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, as well as rights to the “Indiana Jones” franchise.
Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement that the acquisition is a great fit and will help preserve and grow the “Star Wars” franchise.
“The last ‘Star Wars’ movie release was 2005’s ‘Revenge of the Sith’ — and we believe there’s substantial pent-up demand,” Iger said.
Kathleen Kennedy, the current co-chairman of Lucasfilm, will become the division’s president and report to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Lucas will be creative consultant on new “Star Wars” films.
Lucas said in a statement, “It’s now time for me to pass ‘Star Wars’ on to a new generation of filmmakers.”
The deal brings Lucasfilm under the Disney banner with other brands including Pixar, Marvel, ESPN and ABC, all companies that Disney has acquired over the years. A former weatherman who rose through the ranks of ABC, Iger has orchestrated some of the company’s biggest acquisitions, including the $7.4 billion purchase of animated movie studio Pixar in 2006 and the $4.2 billion acquisition of comic book giant Marvel in 2009.
Disney shares were not trading with stock markets closed due to the impact of Superstorm Sandy in New York.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
I do not want more movies…..Even imagining Disney at the helm of that sounds sketchy and ill advised. I’m shutting my ears and closing my eyes on that point. However, I wouldn’t mind a Star Wars theme park, they can take all my money.