Two massive pieces of news hit the Internet this week. First, Disney bought Lucasfilm for a measly $4.05 billion.
Above Image: George Lucas poses with Disney characters dressed as Star Wars characters
I say measly because the Star Wars movies alone have profited $4.4 billion in ticket sales. That doesn’t even count the toys and merchandising. Not to mention the millions in advertising dollars from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars. So, $4 billion is a bargain.
George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, said in a statement, “For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see ‘Star Wars’ passed from one generation to the next.
“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.”
Just as the Internet was reeling about that news, came even bigger news. Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, tweeted about “an extensive and detailed treatment” for the next three Star Wars movies starting in 2015. After the new trilogy, they plan to make a new Star Wars movie every two or three years.
Kathleen Kennedy, current co-chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm. George Lucas will remain a “creative consultant” on the new movies. We’ll see how much influence he has.
This week’s poll asks: Is this a good thing?
Via Huffington Post
Do you Think Disney Buying Lucas Film Will Be Good Or Bad For Star Wars? Are you looking forward to the new Star Wars films?
[Image Source: http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/30/technology/disney-buys-lucasfilm/index.html]
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<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="39105 ">12 Comments
A lot of it I suppose will depend on how good the new movies are. If they're awful then it's a bad deal. The idea of a new one every two years or so doesn't sound good. They're just turning it into another "franchise" like all those superhero ones, Transformers, Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games, etc. where they might as well churn them out on a production line.
Anyway, the $4 billion is kind of measly because besides just the Star Wars property it includes ILM and Skywalker Sound, both of which seem to be involved in just about every big movie out there. Will they still do business with rival studios then or only focus on Disney umbrella movies?
If they can keep Lucas away from the movies, it's a good thing. Just depends how "Disney" the films are though.
Darth Vader resurrected in a Disney cartoon with Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse? Now that I'd like to see.
It remains to be seen. No more ewoks!
I think this is a good thing, and I would highly endorse Gore Verbinski to direct. He was responsible for the first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies, which I consider this generation's Star Wars.
4 billion is chump change for the Mouse. Part of me isn't sure about this Evil Empire deal, I mean Star Wars every coule of years? That's a little much.Then again, the kid in me is desperate for someone to make up for the godawful schlock fest that were the so-called prequels. they were the worst films in sci fi and I'm including Ed Wood's Plan 9 from Outer Space. Oh my God did Lucas ruin my childhood.
Good point Tony. I've never seen the Pirate movies, but his style would really make it different.
Subject: [geektwins] Re: Is Disney Buying 'Star Wars' a Good Thing? [Poll] ~ The Geek Twins
Melissa, I agree with you and Pat. I think it's a bit much to expect a quality sequel after episode 14. On the other hand, it worked for Star Trek and James Bond. The prequels were disappointing to say the least. Except for the light saber battles. Those are sweet.
Subject: [geektwins] Re: Is Disney Buying 'Star Wars' a Good Thing? [Poll] ~ The Geek Twins
Agreed MPax. Although a tribe of Ewoks with light sabers would be pretty awesome.
Subject: [geektwins] Re: Is Disney Buying 'Star Wars' a Good Thing? [Poll] ~ The Geek Twins
Spacerguy, that would be cool. Star Wars: The Mickey Wars.
Subject: [geektwins] Re: Is Disney Buying 'Star Wars' a Good Thing? [Poll] ~ The Geek Twins
I like the decision as long as Ep. 7 stays away from Skywalkers, Solos, and everyone in the last six films.
Colin, one of the problems with the prequels is they tried too hard to bring in old characters. Starting with a fresh cast could make it work better.
Subject: [geektwins] Re: Is Disney Buying 'Star Wars' a Good Thing? [Poll] ~ The Geek Twins