Disney buys Lucasfilm, more Star Wars on the way

Oct 30, 2012 by Ian Evans

“M-I-C-K-E-Y V-A-D-E-R!”

Fans of the Star Wars franchise can rejoice today as Disney announced the purchase of Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion and announced at least three new Star Wars films would be made.

George Lucas, who has been planning to retire, sold his film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects and audio post-production divisions to the Mouse House.

In a statement, Disney CEO Bob Iger said that, “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.”

Long-time Lucas pal Kathleen Kennedy, appointed by Lucas as his successor in June, will serve as president of the company and report to Iger. Disney also announced that a seventh Star Wars film would be released in 2015.