Disney is Star Wars’ new home: The company has bought George Lucas’s Lucasfilm for $ 4.05 billion and says the Star Wars franchise’s potential for “new business models including digital platforms” is “in strong alignment with Disney’s strategic priorities for continued long-term growth.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, will be roughly half cash and half stock and is subject to regulatory approval. It includes all of Lucasfilm, including not just the Star Wars franchise but “its operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production” as well as”the substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that have kept audiences enthralled for many years.”
Kathleen Kennedy, who was co-chairman of Lucasfilm, becomes president of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn. She “will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant.” Star Wars Episode 7 is slated for a 2015 release.
