14 DAY TRIAL // Even though, in recent years, George Lucas repeatedly said the “Star Wars” franchise was dead for good and would never be brought back to life again with a sequel, this is precisely what will be happening in 2015.
Disney has just acquired Lucas’ Lucasfilm and, with it, the entire “Star Wars” franchise. Moreover, Disney is looking to capitalize on the franchise as soon as possible, having already announced the release of “Episode 7.”
“Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas,” Disney announces.
The transaction is estimated at $4.05 billion (€3.12 billion), but Disney will certainly make the most of every cent spent.
As noted above, the “Star Wars” franchise is among the property acquired once with Lucasfilm. The need for a new installment had been on the minds of millions of fans for years, but it never came to fruition.
With Disney, it will – and no later than 3 years from now.
In the end, the deal will be profitable not only for Disney and Lucas, but also for the fans, who will be getting their prayers answered at last, with a new “Star Wars” film, one that will hopefully continue the tradition.
“Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, says of the acquisition.
“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,” Iger adds.
As was to be expected, news of a new “Star Wars” film has already spread like wild fire, with fans taking to online forums to voice their excitement or, in some cases, doubt. Where do you stand?