Disney acquires Star Wars company LucasFilm for $4bn

George Lucas believes that the deal will mean Star Wars franchise will flourish...

13:32 01 November 2012

Reports confirmed that Disney bought LucasFilm for $4bn and it will join Disney’s portfolio of brands from ESPN, Pixar, and Marvel. Disney are expected to pay for the new acquisition with cash and shares. With this news, comes the announcement of another Star Wars film that will be released in 2015. 

 

Robert Iger, Disney’s chairman and chief executive said about the acquisition: “Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas.

 

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.”

 

George Lucas, owner of LucasFilm, was equally happy about the deal, saying it’s a way for the Star Wars franchise to flourish.

 

He added: “For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next. 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.”

 

However, the news that Star Wars will be making a return to the screen has not gone down well with everyone. Some people are reportedly not happy, stating that the original characters will be older now for the new stories.

 

According to Bloomberg data, LucasFilm made $4.45bn in ticket sales worldwide for Star Wars releases. The company also made $1.95bn for the Indiana Jones franchise.