Star Wars fans prepare to be shocked! Seems George Lucas is serious about retiring, as Disney confirmed today it is buying his company Lucasfilm for four Billion Dollars, half of it payed out in Disney shares.
Disney also said it will release Star Wars VII in 2015, and plans to bring a brand new Star Wars movie to the theatre every two to three years. George Lucas will remain available as creative adviser. By owing Lucasfilm Disney now also owns all the rights to Indiana Jones. It is uncertain whether or not Disney is planning a new movie with the character at this point. Disney already bought Pixar in 2006 and Marvel Comics in 2009. In the official press release Lucas stated:
“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.”
So, good or bad news for Star Wars fans? There's certainly ton's of material from all the comic books and games that would make for some interesting new movies. But I need to remind you that Disney's recently released sci-fi movie 'John Carter of Mars', based on the books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, bombed at the box office and was heavily criticised for being 'fake' and 'too campy' while it used all the visual effects and 3D graphics money can buy. We'll see what the future brings...May the force be with us!
No comments:
Post a Comment