I didn’t see this one coming.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today that it has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction valued at $4.05 billion. Lucasfilm is 100 percent owned by Lucasfilm chairman and founder, George Lucas.
Under the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on Oct. 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying half of the consideration in cash and issuing 40 million shares at closing.
Also reported this snippet:
‘Star Wars Episode 7’ is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future,
I’d argue that nothing is sacred, but Lucas demonstrated that with the prequels.
I’m surprised at the sale but not by the continuation of the franchise. Star Wars has gone so far past the movies, it’s crazy. Storylines galore in video games, animated series, books, etc. Lots of material to mine.
This is very good news. Lucas has done the right thing.
He has created a universe and mythology that deserves a life beyond himself. His legacy and stature will only grow from this. He’s the new Stan Lee.
And every single demographic knows the characters – a very rare occurrence…
Not sure Disney can do it justice, but they are probably the best to try. 😉
Disney did a great job with the Avengers. I think the main thing holding the Star Wars franchise back is Lucas himself. A fresh perspective may inject new life. “Heirs to the Empire” was a great book written about the post “Return of the Jedi” era. The material is there, the audience will flock to a good movie, and I want more Star Wars!
I was surprised by this news too. However, most people agree that the best movie in the franchise was Empire Strikes Back. which was the only one NOT directed by George. Interesting to see what happens. BTW is there anything the mouse does not own???
Think of our other constitutional rights Disney Corp can afford to purchase from Congress now!
I wonder how Lucasfilms being owned by Disney is going to affect the liscensing for the Star Wars comic books which Dark Horse Comics has been publishing for such a long time now? I bet losing that deal would have to hurt.
Disney certainly has its work cut out for itself. George set the bar and everybody’s been trying to clear it ever since. Now the 800 pound gorilla is going to give it a shot. As Dave said regarding their job with THE AVENGERS, hopefully they can pick up and run, really run, with STAR WARS and all the rest.
Good luck.
I read a story on this where Lucas was complaining about all the criticism he gets for the prequels, the tinkering he’s done on the DVD re-releases of the originals, etc. Now, he said, he can let someone else make the movies and he’ll be able to enjoy them like a fan and not have to put up with all the fanboys knocking him forever.
I believe the president said the same thing recently, Pete. I give this deal a thumbs up!