Disney Buys Lucasfilm, SW: Episode 7 in 2015

[rider28031]

This is something I thought would never happen.

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.

Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing. The final consideration will be subject to customary post-closing balance sheet adjustments.

“Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “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.”

“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. “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.”

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Lucasfilm, a leader in entertainment, innovation and technology, including its massively popular and “evergreen” Star Wars franchise and its operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production. Disney will also acquire the substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that have kept audiences enthralled for many years. Lucasfilm, headquartered in San Francisco, operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, and the present intent is for Lucasfilm employees to remain in their current locations.

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So let's get this straight; we'll have Avengers 2, JLA, and Star Wars Episode VII in 2015; Oh, boy it's going to be a good year. Any thoughts?

[cresent34]

You know what they say...'It's All About the Benjamins'.

[laura silverman]

Does this mean that the new captain of the Millennium Falcon will be Capt Jack Sparrow?

[Proud Nintendo Fan]

Oh God why... I do NOT want Episode 7. Just leave it be.

[Sailornapper]

Well now we will see if the comic story line comes to film. Boba lives, Han and Leia get biz'eh (how the hell is that spelled) and have kids, Chewie dies, Luke and Mara Jade, clone emp, Luke goes Darkside and then back again.

Have to wait and see.

[Clone]

I don't want to live on this planet anymore.

[Nezz]

The series has already been run into the ground by the prequels, it's not like things can get any worse. Also, Disney's effects of the purchase of Marvel have yet to cause any interference. Remember all the paranoia about Wolverine VS Mickey Mouse, or how about everything would be toned down for childish audiences? Calm your beards, friends.

[Bakura]

Why just 4 billion?

Doesn't Lucasfilm make, like 1.5 billion in revenue every year?

Is Lucas -that- desperate to lose the franchise, or was this a foolish decision, or are their financial troubles about that I haven't heard of?

[AH-64D Longbow]

Is Lucas -that- desperate to lose the franchise, or was this a foolish decision, or are their financial troubles about that I haven't heard of?

You just answered your own question with the middle prospect. After all, stating that is like saying "Water is wet!"

[Karyu]

It would be interesting to see if Mara Jade and Kyle Katarn appear at some stage.

Nothing can be done now so I'm just gonna sit back and see how the first few things come out before praising or screaming at it.

[Bill K.]

Waiting for Chapter 7 to feature Buzz Lightyear in a supporting role.

[ARNie]

At least Vader took it well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... UbH1SEsqiE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Nezz]

Why just 4 billion?

Doesn't Lucasfilm make, like 1.5 billion in revenue every year?

Is Lucas -that- desperate to lose the franchise, or was this a foolish decision, or are their financial troubles about that I haven't heard of?

Lucas has given up trying. He has a franchise and a license that will print him money for the rest of his life. He knows that his work gains little more than critical negativity now. His last movie, Red Tails, was full of the stiff, wooden acting that plagued the prequel trilogy, yet he tried to pass it off with racism. He's aware that the "fun" has gone out of directing, so all he needs to do is let someone else take care of business and then he can just collect his pay.