Disney Buys Lucasfilm, New Star Wars Movie in 2015

The news has broken to the public and it caught us all by surprise: Walt Disney Co. has bought Lucasfilm at the price of $4.4 billion. While that notion isn't all that surprising seeing the close relationship these two have enjoyed throughout the year, the news that really blindsided a lot of people was the announcement that production will begin for a Star Wars Episode 7 movie now slated for a 2015 release. As for George Lucas' involvement, it's being reported that the Star Wars godfather will serve as "Creative Consultant" on the upcoming film. George Lucas is quoted as saying "It's now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers."

So what does that mean for the franchise? Will the mouse stick his dirty little nose in and become the new evil emperor? Here are a few concerns made by fellow IBA-ers:

-What does the mean for the EU? Will the canon be tweaked in any way?
-Will this bode well for the difficulties the video game department has struggled with for years?
-Will this latest movie be over-marketed and run into the ground like previous Disney franchises like Pirates of the Carribbean?
-Would this affect the Clone Wars series in any way?
-Will this recent transaction get the same treatment as Disney gave Marvel?
-More SW-themed rides at theme parks, please!

My own personal opinions about this are optimistic with a certain emotional guarding. The biggest complaint that Star Wars fans have had in recent years is that they've felt George has treated the franchise as a dictatorship, making changes to anything he wanted with no regard of public opinion. George is now out of that position but still has the ability to share his vision of the future movies. We always heard the George had the ideas for a 3rd trilogy (a trilotrilogy?) so he obviously has some sort of direction of where it should go. The best thing about George Lucas is his vision of what should happen but the worst things about George Lucas is his script-writing and directing. Well, we don't have to worry about that now. All we need is a good writer that will take George's vision and hit the ground running *cough*Kevin Smith*cough*. Then the resulting script can go to a great director that's up to the challenge *cough*Jon Favreau*cough*.

There's a lot of unknowns in the future of the Star Wars Galaxy, a lot of uneasy fans holding onto the hopes of something magical that won't tarnish the Star Wars we've known and loved. We will watch this with great interest.

Source: NBC News

Comments

  1. Here's a short interview Lucas did about the Disney takeover: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YyqlTi7lkhY

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  2. First off, I'm ok with the sale solely because of how Disney has treated Marvel. Well, also to get get George out of Star Wars.

    Will Disney being at the reigns make sense in the video game market? No. Aside from the immensely popular Kingdom Hearts series, Disney has been fairly cookie cutter with their video game endeavors.

    Clone Wars might have to find a new home. That is going to be a problem. Turner/Time Warner and Disney will more than likely resign a deal to continue that series on Cartoon Network. Best shot is an ABC Saturday morning block.

    You can't be too worried about Disney running Star Wars into the dirt like they did to POTC. There is actually material to draw from for Star Wars. If anything, POTC was a one shot deal that spawned plenty of money and so they milked it. Star Wars has too much lore to allow that kind of treatment.

    All in all, good move by both parties. Both parties love money and they'll both have plenty now. Viva la Star Wars 7, 8, 9... and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in 3D Disney Blu-Ray Combo Pack Digital Download, Out of the Vault Edition.

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