The internet exploded today, as news of Disney’s $4B acquisition of LuscasFilm hit twitter. The press release, which you can read here, sneakily includes this paragraph:
“Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will serve as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build, further integrate, and maximize the value of this global franchise. Ms. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future.”
Yes – Star Wars Episode 7. In 2015. Didn’t see that coming, I’d expect more news on this very, very soon.
Update: When I said soon, I meant it. Here’s a video of George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy talking about the acquisition and future films:
