While our fearless Movie Buzzer leader is recovering from Hurricane Sandy, I thought I’d go ahead and report on today’s GIGANTIC movie news. From the “things you never expected” category, not only is Disney purchasing Lucasfilm for an insanely huge $4.05 billion, but a new Star Wars film — tentatively titled Star Was Episode VII — is set for a 2015 release.
As for who will be creatively involved in the sequel, Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy will serve as producer and George Lucas will serve as “creative consultant.” There’s no word on who will write and direct Episode VII, but since most agree that Lucas himself was the weak link in the production of Episode I through III were Lucas’ writing and direction. Regardless, Episode VII immediately launches toward the top of the most anticipated movie list, and thousands of Star Wars fans are likely saving up their nickels for the slew of new merchandise sure to be coming out Disney. Two more sequels, Episode VIII and IX, are also planned for future release.
It’s also curious since Lucas — who used to claim he was making up to twelve Star Wars movies, but then vowed to make only the six that have since been released — is now okaying the seventh film in the billion dollar franchise.
Disney and Lucas have had a long relationship — Lucas was one of the original founders of Pixar, and Star Tours has been a popular attraction at Disney World for years. It’s Disney’s fourth big outside purchase in the last decade — it purchased the rights to the Muppets in 2004, Pixar in 2006 and Marvel Comics in 2009. It’s a new approach to creativity for the Mouse, but it ensures Star Wars will remain a visible franchise for decades.
We’ll have more information as more of this story breaks!
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