SAN RAFAEL, CA — Earlier this week, Disney announced plans to acquire Lucasfilm, Ltd. The acquisition continues Disney's strategic focus on creating and monetizing the high-quality branded content, innovative technology and global growth to drive long-term shareholder value.
Lucasfilm joins the company's global portfolio, which also includes ESPN, Pixar, Marvel and ABC. In addition, it was announced that plans for an Episode 7 in the Star Wars franchise is in the works, and is targeted for release in 2015.
"Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas," notes Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO 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," adds George Lucas, chairman and CEO 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."