Is this the best news Star Wars fans have heard in years or is it their worst nightmare? The entertainment empire is in the process of buying George Lucas's production company, Lucasfilm, at a reported cost of $4.05 billion.

Walter Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger announced plans to release a new live action Star Wars film every 2 to 3 years beginning withi Star Wars: Episode VII in 2015. Theme parks, video games and other spin-offs are likely. If Disney knows anything, it's how to maximize (milk?) a brand.

HANGIN' UP THE LIGHT SABER

Lucas had himself announced his retirement back in June saying that he wanted to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers, and many would say “about time.” Lucas had felt that the franchise could live beyond him and said he wanted to set up that transition in his lifetime. It appears he has done just that.

Disney bought Pixar in 2006 for $7.2B, Marvel in 2009 for $4.2B. Can you imagine some giant collaborative effort on a new Star Wars with directors Disney already has in the fold like Joss Whedon or Brad Bird? It might be a good thing. You have to give credit to the patriarch of the franchise, but at the same time, Lucas's latest efforts seem tired and disjointed. Some fresh eyes and minds are needed.

Disney will also own the Indiana Jones franchise but for the time being Star Wars will be their focus. And now Leia is just another Disney princess. LEAVE COMMENTS.

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