Breaking news this afternoon that the Walt Disney Company will buy Lucasfilm for $ 4 billion dollars.
Lucas said in a statement that it is “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,” Lucas said. “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.”
The deal includes not only Star Wars but also other businesses operated by Lucasfilm, including LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound. Disney said the current plan is for Lucasfilm employees to remain in their current locations.
Here is the official Disney press release