PPM Version:
In some out-of-the-blue news, Disney purchased GEORGE LUCAS' production company . . . AND they have a THIRD "Star Wars" trilogy in the works. George won't be writing or directing the movies, but he will be a "creative consultant." The first movie, "Star Wars, Episode Seven", is expected to hit theaters in 2015.
Full Story:
In somewhat of a surprise move, Disney has announced that they've purchased GEORGE LUCAS' production company, Lucasfilm, for $4.05 BILLION.
--And even more surprisingly, Disney says a SEVENTH "Star Wars" movie is in the works . . . and will be released in 2015. It's being referred to as "Star Wars, Episode Seven", so it would follow the events of "Return of the Jedi".
--This will be the beginning of a THIRD trilogy, which will include two more movies . . . and potentially more. A Disney suit says, quote, "Our long-term plan is to release a new 'Star Wars' feature film every two to three years.
--"The deal [to acquire Lucasfilm came with] an extensive, and detailed treatment for the next three movies."
--George Lucas will serve as a "creative consultant" on the new "Star Wars" movies, but he won't be writing or directing them. In a statement, he said, quote, "It's now time for me to pass 'Star Wars' on to a new generation of filmmakers."
(--There's no word if the new movies will include any cast members from the previous ones, but here's a gallery of "Star Wars" actors then and now for your viewing pleasure.)
(--You can find video of George talking about the deal on YouTube. The interesting part begins at the 1:23 mark. He does suggest that he created the outline for the next trilogy . . . for what that's worth.)
--Back in January, George said that he would NOT be doing another trilogy . . . even though it was part of his original plan 30 years ago . . . partially because he received so much criticism over the prequels that came out 10 years ago.
--He said, quote, "Why would I make any more when everybody yells at you all the time and says what a terrible person you are? . . . I'm retiring. I'm moving away from the business, from the company, from all this kind of stuff." (--He's 68 years old.)
--And in an interview in 2008, George said that he didn't think ANYTHING happened after "Return of the Jedi". He said, quote, "There really isn't any story to tell there . . . I get asked all the time, 'What happens after "Return of the Jedi"?'
--"There really is no answer for that. The movies were the story of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker, and when Luke saves the galaxy and redeems his father, that's where that story ends."
(--So what do you think? Are you excited to see more "Star Wars" movies . . . and if so, is it GOOD or BAD that George Lucas isn't writing and directing them? Or would you rather they just leave "Star Wars" alone?)
(--Another big question is, do you trust Disney to handle "Star Wars" properly? I think for most fans, the answer should be YES.)
(--Because let's be honest . . . all you've been doing over the past decade is BELLYACHING over what George has done to DESTROY the "Star Wars" legacy by producing sub-par sequels and tinkering with the original trilogy.)
(--So you should be OVERJOYED that someone else is taking over. Especially someone with Disney's track record. I'm pretty sure nobody minded how they handled the Muppets and "The Avengers".)
(--But here's another point to ponder: How long will it be until Disney controls ALL OUR ENTERTAINMENT?)
(--Obviously, they've got their own empire . . . plus Pixar. Then there's ABC, ESPN, Marvel Comics, the Muppets and now "Star Wars".)
(--Perhaps we should resign ourselves to the fact that we'll all be bowing down to our new Mouse-Eared Overlord soon. Don't forget what happened to the Jonas Brothers on "South Park" when they tried to stand up to him.)
(--Here's the UNCENSORED video. WARNING: It contains a lot of profanity.)
RELATED COMEDY #1: A seventh "Star Wars" movie is coming out in 2015. And, now that they've heard the news, try getting anything out of your IT guys today.
RELATED COMEDY #2: Then it'll come back out with new footage in 2017 . . . followed by a special edition re-release with added special effects in 2020 . . . and then a limited release with deleted scenes in 2023 . . .
RELATED COMEDY #3: Millions of "Star Wars" fans around the world are rejoicing. Mainly because they haven't had anything to complain about in years.
RELATED COMEDY #4: A seventh "Star Wars" movie is coming soon. That slapping sound you hear is millions of nerds simultaneously giving themselves "hand solos".