Share your thoughts: is Disney’s purchase of “Star Wars” a move to the dark side?
Star Wars creator George Lucas duels with Mickey Mouse.
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The fan universe was abuzz yesterday with the news that Disney has purchased Lucasfilm Ltd. for $4 billion and announced a seventh “Star Wars” film in 2015. Is this a travesty? Or is this perhaps a blessing in disguise (as “Star Wars” films appear to come out better when creator George Lucas doesn’t have complete control over them)?
Discuss.
October 31, 2012 - 11:20 AM
I’m completely indifferent to this arrangement. As of now, Lucas doesn’t have complete control, but he’s retained rights as a consultant. This leaves open the possibility of having him direct and/or write the new films as well. At the very least I figure the new films will have the same vibe as episodes 1-3, which isn’t a good thing.
Pixar was a George Lucas company as well and Disney did great things with that, so there’s always hope.
I could see the newer films being decent with someone else at the helm. Hard to tell if that’s what this arrangement means, of course.
I’ve seen some online response from outraged fans, but I can’t quite understand it. Star Wars long ago made the leap from movies to a full-fledged franchise with comics, tv shows, etc.
I think the best part of the deal is that Lucas seems to be stepping away from any future movies. That opens the door for different directors who can bring a bolder vision to a new movie than Lucas would. Off the top of my head, I think Brad Bird or Peter Jackson would do a fantastic job with a new Star Wars movie.
I guess this announcement means that we should expect more franchise-type activity for Star Wars — meaning that it’s going to be more of a James Bond or Marvel Comics type brand than something like Lord of the Rings. I don’t know that that’s a bad thing.
– Mason Adams
Thanks, Mason!