Tag: Lucasfilm

‘Star Wars’ Spin-Off Films Could Focus On Boba Fett And Han Solo

by Shawn Madden

With the confirmation that Disney is indeed branching out the Star Wars universe and would be producing spin-0ff films, new details have surfaced regarding just who the films may focus on. According to Entertainment Weekly, the first movies outside of the saga will be based on cargo smuggler Han Solo and fan-favorite bounty hunter Boba Fett.

 

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EW’s source states the time period of Han Solo’s film will take place between Revenge Of The Sith and A New Hope. With this timeline, expect a new and younger actor to play the role of Han Solo, presumable someone under the age of 35 (Harrison Ford’s age at the time of A New Hope).

 

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So, what about Boba Fett film? Well, this one has two possible time lines. It could either take place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, or between Empire and Return Of The Jedi. There aren’t currently any casting rumors surrounding this film, but  EW does point out that Temuera Morrison, who played Jango Fett in the prequels, is still of an age where he could play the bounty hunter. Which, would totally make sense being that Boba is a clone of Jango.

 

There are no directors who have been contacted regarding these films yet, but it is worth noting that Joe Johnston has expressed interest in doing a solo Boba Fett film for quite some time. Also, just recently Robert Rodriguez  expressed his desire to work on a Han Solo film. Definitely exciting news, especially for fans of the Fett-man.

 

Source: EW

‘Star Wars’ Spinoffs Confirmed By Disney CEO Bob Iger!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Surprisingly enough, right now is a great time to be a Star Wars fan. Sure, people were (unreasonably, in my opinion) uncomfortable when the Disney Lucasfilm acquisition was announced, but now just look at what’s coming down the pipeline! J.J. Abrams is directing Episode VII, which is fantastic news on its own, but another rumour that we’ve been hearing for some time has been the possibility of spinoff titles; movies set in the Star Wars universe, but not directly related to the new trilogy.

 

The first set photo from Episode VII... I kid, I kid.
The first set photo from Episode VII… I kid, I kid.

 

Today, those rumours were put to rest. In an interview on CNBC, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the development of several spinoff titles. Larry Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are working on the films (as well as consulting Abrams on the production of Episode VII).

 

Iger later refined his statement, adding that while the spinoff titles are coming, they are still very early in development. It appears as though only time will tell, but Iger did confirm that at least two spinoffs are in the works (Larry Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are working on separate films).

 

Watch the reveal below, and let us know you think! Plot-wise, what are you hoping for from these?

 

Disney Officially Announces J.J. Abrams As The Director Of ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’

by Shawn Madden

Well, it’s official. Earlier yesterday it was revealed J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Lost, Super 8) would be coming on to direct the next chapter in the Star Wars franchise and now the studio has put out a press release officially announcing it. Read the full press release below:

 

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J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII, the first of a new series of Star Wars films to come from Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy. Abrams will be directing and Academy Award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay.

“It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie,” said Kennedy. “J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.”

George Lucas went on to say “I’ve consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He’s an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn’t be in better hands.”

“To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,” J.J. Abrams said. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid.”

J.J., his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kathleen Kennedy under the Disney | Lucasfilm banner.

Also consulting on the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Abrams and his production company Bad Robot have a proven track record of blockbuster movies that feature complex action, heartfelt drama, iconic heroes and fantastic production values with such credits as Star Trek, Super 8, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, and this year’s Star Trek Into Darkness. Abrams has worked with Lucasfilm’s preeminent postproduction facilities, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, on all of the feature films he has directed, beginning with Mission: Impossible III. He also created or co-created such acclaimed television series as Felicity, Alias, Lost and Fringe.

 

Disney is currently aiming at a 2015 release date, but it’s been revealed that Abrams hasn’t committed to that date yet. Abrams is definitely going to work hard on this one and the date could be changed if the development process requires  it. With Abrams track record for re-invigorating franchises, the anticipation levels for the next chapter in the Star Wars have grown exponentially. Now that a director is locked down for the film, expect official casting news to begin very soon.

 

Source: Walt Disney

J.J. Abrams Signs On To Direct ‘Star Wars Episode VII’

by Shawn Madden

There have been plenty of names rumored to be attached to this project, and finally, it appears as though we’ve finally learned who will direct Disney and LucasFilm’s Star Wars: Episode VII.

 

Coincidentally enough, it turns out to be none other than one of the names that we listed for the five directors who should direct the next chapter in the franchise, which we posted on the day that the Disney news broke. According to The Wrap (as well as also being confirmed by Deadline), J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Super 8) has signed on to direct Star Wars: Episode VII, which is currently slated to release in 2015.

 

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Ben Affleck was reportedly also up for the gig at one point but it ended up going to Abrams in the end. Previously, Abrams had stated that he would likely watch the next Star Wars as a fan, but seemed uninterested in directing. It looks like the “lure of the force” was too strong and Abrams is now in control of the two largest sci-fi franchises of all time. Abrams is currently in post-production of Star Trek Into Darkness while Toy Story 3 writer Michael Ardnt is scripting away on the next chapter of Star Wars, which should hit theatres in just two short years.

 

 

Source: The Wrap

Zack Snyder’s Reps Deny Involvement With ‘Star Wars’ Spin-Off

by Shawn Madden

Earlier today, word broke that director Zack Snyder (Watchmen, Man Of Steel) is currently developing a Jedi-centered Star Wars spin-off film that would be loosely based on The Seven Samurai. This was exciting news for many, but now a rep for the director has now denied his involvement with the project and has sent a statement to The Hollywood Reporter in response Vulture’s report.

 

“While he is super flattered because he is a huge fan, Zack is not involved in any way with the new Star Wars. He is currently in post on his two films, Man of Steel and 300: Battle of Artemisia.”

 

Of course, keep in mind that while Snyder’s reps may deny his involvement with the project it doesn’t necessarily mean that he isn’t actually involved. Vulture is a pretty reliable source and this may just be damage control to cover up some news that shouldn’t have leaked out yet.

And now it seems that just may be the cast. Vulture has responded to the statement by revealing that while Snyder may not be signed on for the project yet, he HAS had meetings with Lucasfilm regarding the project.

 

Vulture takes the accuracy of its reports very seriously. And while a piece published in The Hollywood Reporter this evening quotes Snyder’s rep as saying that the director “is not involved in any way with the new Star Wars,” Vulture stands by its story. This reporter heard through a source very familiar with the situation that Snyder recently flew up to Marin County to meet with Lucasfilm execs about the project. When subsequently reached by Vulture, Snyder’s spokesperson would only repeat that he “is” not currently involved. One should note the possible political ramifications here of our original story break: Snyder’s last Warner Bros. film, Sucker Punch, lost millions for the studio, and execs there could have become distressed at the idea of him getting involved with another studio’s franchise when they have so much at stake with their upcoming Man of Steel and want him available for an immediate sequel.

 

Still having some doubts? Well, Variety’s Jeff Sneider is backing up the report.

 

 

So, two pretty reliable sources are claiming that Snyder has had meetings regarding the project. Could they possibly be waiting until San Diego Comic-Con or the Disney Expo to reveal this project?

Live-Action ‘Star Wars’ Television Series May Be Coming To ABC

by Shawn Madden

The last time that there was word about a live-action Star Wars television series it was said that there was plenty of material for the series, but the issue was the cost. It now appears that ABC (a Disney subsidiary) is taking another look, with the network’s president Paul Lee trying to work out the best route to bring a Star Wars series to television.

 

“We’re going to look at [the live-action series], we’re going to look at all of them, and see what’s right”.

 

Apparently the live-action series centers on the story of rival families who are struggling over the control of the seedy underside of the Star Wars universe. The series will take place withing the subterranean level and air shafts of the metropolis planet Coruscant. Quite similar to the story of the upcoming Star Wars videogame 1313.

 

We may see a bounty hunter as the main character of the series set in a time period that would allow the potential appearances from classic characters from the Star Wars universe. However, don’t get your hopes up yet because the new live-action films may see the series continue to sit on the backburner for awhile longer. Lee makes no guarantees of the series going forward on ABC and says it would be tricky to juggle a television show and a feature film franchise set within the same universe.

 

“It’s going to be very much up to the Lucasfilm brands how they want to play it. We got to a point here with Marvel, a very special point, where we’re in the Marvel universe, and very relevantly so, but we’re not doing The Avengers. But S.H.I.E.L.D. is part of The Avengers. So maybe something oblique is the way to [approach the Star Wars universe] rather than going straight head-on at it.”

 

Could they be waiting to see how Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. series works before moving forward?

 

Source: EW

Geekscape Comics: ‘Star Wars’ Comics Are Returning To Marvel

by Shawn Madden

Upon Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm, questions arose regarding the current Star Wars comics that are currently being released by Dark Horse Comics. Would we continue to see the release of Star Wars comics through Dark Horse or would they cease after the contract with Lucasfilm ran out in 2013? Well, no big surprise here. Disney has decided to not renew that contract with Dark Horse and instead will return the titles to Marvel.

The Suits in the know have determined that no new contracts will be given to Dark Horse after the current ones expire. So all new projects after 2013 will be handled internally by Marvel.

It’s not known yet if titles will be worked into the regular line up, or will Marvel create a special branch of the company that deals with Star Wars. It’ll take a couple of years for the old deals to work there course, but the stories that Dark Horse have coming down the pipeline will be the last. And you can expect anything new from Marvel dealing with Star Wars to arrive around 2015.

I don’t think I’m going out on a limb in saying that we can definitely expect some Marvel Star Wars titles to be hitting shelves around 2015, which just so happens to be the same year that Star Wars: Episode VII is scheduled to be hitting theaters.

Source: Blue Sky Disney

‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ Director May Be Revealed Next Month

by Shawn Madden

Ever since the announcement that Walt Disney Pictures announced in October that they havead acquired LucasFilm and a new Star Wars trilogy would be coming to theaters, there has been quite a bit of speculation as to who would direct the films all over the place. Plenty of names had been tied to the project but many have come out and denied their actually involvement with the highly anticipated next installment in the franchise.

While speaking with ABC News Radio, LucasFilm President and executive producer Kathleen Kennedy offered up a brief update on the status of the film:

“I have no immediate update, but hopefully in January I’have something that I can say.”

It’s completely possible that in Januray we will be getting an announcement regarding the director and possibly even some casting announcements. Kennedy also confirmed that pre-production will begin sometime in the Spring of 2013.

Star Wars: Episode VII is currently looking at a 2015 release date.

Source: ComicBook.com

UPDATE: Lawrence Kasdan & Simon Kinberg Close Deals To Write ‘Star Wars’ Episode

by Shawn Madden

It’s already been revealed that Michael Arndt will write Star Wars Episode VII but that film is just the first of the new trilogy and it appears they are already looking for writers for the next two chapters. Deadline‘s Mike Flemming has revealed that Disney have approached Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg to script the next two installments in the new Star Wars trilogy.

Lawrence Kasdan, who wrote The Empire Strikes Back, Return Of The Jedi and Raiders Of The Lost Ark, is definitely going to a welcomed name to write these next chapters. And Simon Kinberg, who worked on X-Men: First Class and the sequel Days Of Future Past and is another name apparently on Disney’s radar.

Now, all we need to know is who is actually directing these films.

UPDATE: Well, it appears that deals have already been closed here and that the two will also be producers on the film. The team will work together on one of the next episode’s of the franchise. According to THR’s Borys Kit:

 

 

 

‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ May Just Have Its Writer

by Shawn Madden

For the past few weeks we’ve heard plenty of rumors regarding who would direct the highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII. At the same time, a screenwriter for the next chapter in the sci-fi franchise is still being sought. According to Vulture, the current leading contender to work on the films’s screenplay is Academy Award winning writer Michael Arndt.

Arndt has previously worked on Little Miss Sunshine, Pixar’s Toy Story 3 as well as the screenplay for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Ardnt has written a 40 to 50 page treatment for the film and will most likely pen a draft for the project. The site reports that the film is looking at a 2014 shoot to get it into theaters in 2015.

So, what about the director? Ardnt’s treatment will be hitting the desks of many of the top directors out there including Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams and Brad Bird. We’re not saying that any of these directors are interested in the project but Disney apparently is looking to offer the film to the big directors first.

Ardny is well known as a Star Wars fan and has close relationship with Disney’s Pixar. So it shouldn’t be no surprise that Lucasfilm and Disney would have an interest in him writing the next chapter in the Star Wars saga. As prior stated in these matters…keep an eye for official announcements soon.

Source: Vulture

Disney Looking To Purchase Hasbro Next?

by Shawn Madden

The world was shocked last week when Disney and George Lucas announced that Lucas had sold Lucasfilm studio, which includes the rights to Star Wars and most of its characters, to the company. Now, it appears that Disney has possibly turned their attention to buying another company with even more film and toy opportunities for them.

According to MTV, Disney has been in contact with Hasbro about acquiring them and at the moment it’s just talks. But apparently these talks are serious enough that we could see an announcement made any day that the media giant has purchased another company.

Normally, deals like this would take time but Disney has been moving quite quickly to get these deals done. Rumor is that the Lucas deal only took them roughly around six months. With the purchase of Hasbro, Disney would gain the G.I. Joe and Transformers properties. Yes, this means that you may not see any more Michael Bay directed Transformers films after the fourth film comes out. As of the moment none of this is confirmed but that could very well change very soon. However, for now…take this one with a grain of salt.

RUMOR: Matthew Vaughn In Talks To Direct ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’

by Shawn Madden

Expect a lot of rumors to surface when it comes to Star Wars: Episode VII until any official announcements begin to get made. The biggest question that is surrounding this film is who will be directing. Last week I did a list of directors who should direct the next film and it appears that one of the names on that list has surfaced in connection to the film. According to Collider, while this rumor has not been confirmed, X-Men: First Class director Matthew Vaughn may actually be in talks to direct the next chapter in the Star Wars saga.

I’m hearing that Matthew Vaughn, the director of Kick-Ass, Stardust, Layer Cake, and X-Men: First Class, is in talks with Lucasfilm to helm Star Wars: Episode VII. My sources tell me this is the main reason he dropped out of the X-Men sequel (which Bryan Singer is now directing).

So, could this be the real reason Vaughn left the sequel to X-Men: First Class? Quite possibly. Do I think Vaughn would be a fantastic choice to breathe fresh air into this franchise while keeping the things we love about it intact? Definitely. With plans to release Episode VII in 2015 we should definitely be expecting some form of official news regarding the film in the coming months.

Geekscape Archives: Hypothetical Reviews Of The Next ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy!

by Derek Kraneveldt

On Tuesday the world received the shocking and unexpected news that Lucasfilm (including its subsidiaries) was sold to Disney for a whopping 4.4 billion in cash and stocks. You’ve probably heard this news time and time again, as every single website on the planet has been talking about it constantly for the last 48 hours.

 

Of course there’s been plenty of coverage on Geekscape too. Aside from the big news, Shawn gave us a few great choices for possible directors, while super fan Eric gave us some fantastic realizations of what we can expect to happen now that the franchise has moved to the house of mouse.

Turns out we were streets ahead on the topic. Nearly two years ago (January of 2011), our writer Witney wrote up some hypothetical reviews on the next three chapters in the Star Wars franchise. The years and titles may be wrong, and who knows how the movies will actually turn out, but in any case they’re definitely a fun read.

Click here for the review of Star Wars Episode VII: Rise of the Other
 

Click here for the review of Star Wars Episode VIII: Destruction of the Arc
 

Click here for the review of Star Wars Episode IX: The Fall of Vantus

We’re All Smiles Here… Right? The Geekscapepod For November 1st, 2012!

by Jonathan

Gilmore is back and things get pretty rude pretty quickly! Longtime Geekscape contributor Brian Gilmore is back on the show to talk Halloween, the rise of Cosplay and why Jonathan is a massive jerk. In news, all we can talk about is Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm and the Avenger-izing of the X-Men franchise at Fox! What does the future of Star Wars look like? Plus, Gilmore says ‘Wreck It Ralph’ is worth the trip and Jonathan says thanks for all the ‘Doc of the Dead’ love!

Subscribe to the show on iTunes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:44 — 31.1MB)

Five Directors Who Should Direct ‘Star Wars Episode VII’

by Shawn Madden

With the huge news that George Lucas had sold Lucasfilm to Walt Disney today also came the revelation that we would be getting another Star Wars trilogy starting with Episode VII in 2015. The big question is…who should direct the next chapter in the Star Wars saga? Well, let’s take a look at five choices who may just be the right pick to get behind the camera.

 

 

Brad Bird

 

Let’s just establish right off the bat that Brad Bird is definitely one of the best directors out there. Second, let’s recognize that the director has the ability to come into an existing franchise and give it a breath of new life. See: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. The director doesn’t so much work on making the material recognizeable as his own but rather emphasizes on the story over everything else with everything else just seeming to fall into place. A smart choice? Definitely.

 

 

Matthew Vaughn

 

Vaughn is another director who has the ability to breathe life into an established franchise that may have seemed long dead without forgetting to include what we loved about the franchise in the first place. Not only that but he is a very talented director who can shift between tones with ease. Look at the work he did on X-Men: First Class with the budget and time he had. Now, imagine what he could do on a larger scale.

 

 

J.J. Abrams

 

I know. This one is almost too obvious. He brought back another “Star” franchise and made it loved by new and old fans alike. The thing is though, Abrams is a talented director and can even make a strong film with a not-so-great script. Now, think about what he can accomplish with a strong script. If Abrams could mix what he did with Star Trek and Super 8, he could definitely make one of the best Star Wars films of all time.

 

 

Kenneth Branagh

 

Kennth Branagh is another director who has the ability to do a large scale film that focuses on the story and characters while not losing sight of just how big the film is as seen with his last film, Marvel Studios’ Thor. Branagh would definitely hit all the right marks when it comes to getting the Shakespearean and iconic elements into a Star Wars film. There’s plenty of archetypical story telling in the original trilogy that could be brought back by someone with Branagh’s sentiments.

 

 

Joe Johnston

 

First off, let’s remember that he is quite familiar with material. And we’re not talking the prequels. Johnston worked as a concept artist and effects technician on all three of the original films. Additionally, Johnston has actually shown interest in directing a Star Wars film in the past. A few years back, Johnston talked about wanting to do a film that would focus on Boba Fett, so the interest and desire to do a Star Wars film is definitely there. As seen with his work on Captain America: The First Avenger, the director has the ability to deliver a good sense of a broad story with his films while still not losing site of it’s characters. The only problem Johnston may have with the film would be delivering the dark elements that are definitely needed.

 

With a 2015 release targeted for the film, it should be expected that sometime soon we will learn who Disney will be putting behind the camera for Episode VII. However, the most important thing here is getting the story for this film right. And we currently have no idea what the story is at all for the film. So, until then we have no idea whether any of these choices will actually be the right choice for the film. Are there any directors out there that you would like to see helm the next chapter in the Star Wars franchise?

Disney Buying Lucasfilm In $4 Billion Deal And Sets ‘Star Wars Episode 7’ For 2015

by Shawn Madden

So, remember those times when you said George Lucas needs to stop messing with Star Wars films? Well, now he won’t be able. The Walt Disney Company has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. from George Lucas, who owns 100% of the company. In addition to this news it’s been revealed that Disney has targeted 2015 for a release date for Star Wars Episode VII. So, tired of George Lucas raping your beloved childhood? Don’t worry about it because he won’t have the chance anymore with the properties now in much better hands.

Disney has long had a close relationship with closely held Lucasfilm and founder George Lucas, including featured attractions at Disney theme parks such as Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

The full press release:

BURBANK, Calif. & SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 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.

Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will serve as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build, further integrate, and maximize the value of this global franchise. Ms. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Warsfeature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. 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.
The acquisition combines two highly compatible family entertainment brands, and strengthens the long-standing beneficial relationship between them that already includes successful integration of Star Wars content into Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo.

Driven by a tremendously talented creative team, Lucasfilm’s legendary Star Wars franchise has flourished for more than 35 years, and offers a virtually limitless universe of characters and stories to drive continued feature film releases and franchise growth over the long term. Star Wars resonates with consumers around the world and creates extensive opportunities for Disney to deliver the content across its diverse portfolio of businesses including movies, television, consumer products, games and theme parks. Star Wars feature films have earned a total of $4.4 billion in global box to date, and continued global demand has made Star Wars one of the world’s top product brands, and Lucasfilm a leading product licensor in the United States in 2011. The franchise provides a sustainable source of high quality, branded content with global appeal and is well suited for new business models including digital platforms, putting the acquisition in strong alignment with Disney’s strategic priorities for continued long-term growth.

The Lucasfilm acquisition follows Disney’s very successful acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel, which demonstrated the company’s unique ability to fully develop and expand the financial potential of high quality creative content with compelling characters and storytelling through the application ofinnovative technology and multiplatform distribution on a truly global basis to create maximum value. Adding Lucasfilm to Disney’s portfolio of world class brands significantly enhances the company’s ability to serve consumers with a broad variety of the world’s highest-quality content and to create additional long-term value for our shareholders.

The Boards of Directors of Disney and Lucasfilm have approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, and other customary closing conditions. The agreement has been approved by the sole shareholder of Lucasfilm.

Just like the Marvel acquisition, this one caught everyone by surprise. According to Disney’s Robert Iger, there are plans to release a new Star Wars film every 2 – 3 years with Episodes 7 through 9 to be directed by three different directors.

This will be part of Disney’s target slate of 8-10 live action films it releases each year which also includes the Marvel Studios films. With a new Star Wars and The Avengers sequel both hitting theaters, it’s safe to say that Disney will dominate the 2015 box office.

Watch This New Trailer For ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Season 5

by Derek Kraneveldt

The trailer that premiered at Celebration VI has made its way online!

The official press release had this to say about the upcoming season:

The shadow of the dark side falls upon “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” Season Five as the series moves closer to the grim events of “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith”. The big-screen action, unforgettable characters, and rousing adventure of the “Star Wars” Saga continue, as Jedi heroes face a galaxy of foes. With unparalleled visuals, sound, action and adventure, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” continues the cinematic saga with the equivalent of a short animated “Star Wars” movie each week. Season Five is filled with explosive action, exotic worlds, intriguing characters and shocking turns as several major players face their destinies as the galaxy plunges into darkness.

I haven’t yet seen the show myself, but this looks damn cool.

Season 5 premieres on September 29.

George Lucas Is Retiring From Commercial Filmmaking (Again?)

by Jonathan

According to this article at JoBlo, George Lucas is retiring from commercial filmmaking. We heard some of these sentiments around the time Red Tails was released, and then it was recently announced that longtime friend Kathleen Kennedy was taking over operation of Lucasfilm. Now this seems to confirm it.

As the article quotes, “I’m moving away from the company, I’m moving away from all my businesses, I’m finishing all my obligations and I’m going to retire to my garage with my saw and hammer and build hobby movies. I’ve always wanted to make movies that were more experimental in nature, and not have to worry about them showing in movie theatres.”

You mean the prequels WEREN’T experimental films!?! So, let’s ask it: Is this the end of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones cinematic universes? And are you interested in seeing some of George’s “hobby movies”?