Many sites are reporting that Disney has acquired Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion. That includes the rights to the STAR WARS saga. Around half of that will be in cash and the rest in stock.
According to
TVShowsOnDVD.com, Lucas has further signed an agreement with Disney, however, to remain on in an advisory capacity: in 2015 Disney intends to release to theaters Star Wars Episode 7, and Lucas will serve as creative consultant on the movie. Kathleen Kennedy, who has been co-chair of Lucasfilm for quite some time now, will be Executive Producer of that film.
“Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” said Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger in a release announcing the deal. “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.”
“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said Lucas. “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.”
