Today’s double-barreled announcement – that The Walt Disney Co. is buying Lucasfilm Ltd. and that more Star Wars movies are going to be made starting almost immediately – has me pinching myself – but this is no dream. For me, and for countless millions of fellow Star Wars fans worldwide, this thunderclap couldn’t possibly be any better. Let me explain.
Many friends and I have wondered for years: What’s the future of Star Wars? More to the point, is there a future for Star Wars? We remember the dark years after 1986 when some had declared Star Wars dead. But I remember interviewing Lucas Licensing president Howard Roffman while working on my first Star Wars book. “We’re just taking breather, Steve,” he told me. “When the public is ready for more Star Wars then Star Wars will be ready for them.”
It was 1991, and the first new Star Wars novel in eight years, Tim Zahn’s Heir to the Empire, unexpectedly shot to #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list. A few years later merchandise reappeared, then the hugely successful Special Editions, and finally the prequels. It was another great run; then in 2008 we had the start of the excellent Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. But my friends and I were still concerned.
From my perspective, having worked as a reporter and editor at the Wall Street Journal for 26 years – some of that time covering Hollywood – I was familiar with the life cycles of great companies that couldn’t survive the loss of the creative genius who founded them. In fact, The Walt Disney Co. was nearly a prime example. With Walt’s death in 1966, the company seemed to lose its way. In 1984, it fought off a corporate raider who wanted to split up the company. Since then it has gone through two distinct periods of revitalization, first under Michael Eisner and, since 2005, under Bob Iger – earning Disney the mantle of one of America’s most beloved companies.
George Lucas has had a long relationship with Disney. When he was 11 years old he took his first ever plane trip to be in line the day Disneyland opened to the public. He has worked closely with Disney Imagineering and ILM to develop the Star Tours and Indiana Jones attractions at several Disney theme parks, and has long had ideas for other park adventures. Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World have been a huge success for more than a decade.
But after the prequels, George was very clear that his days of making Star Wars movies were over. Little did I know that, behind the scenes and very quietly, George had started to come up with some storylines for at least three new movies set in a period sometime after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. I think the fact that George found so much enjoyment coming up with new ideas for The Clone Wars series spurred him on. He just needed to find the right person – and the right set-up – to carry on the Star Wars legacy.
He found that person in Kathleen Kennedy – a longtime friend, superb producer, and prolific moviemaker – and brought her in as his successor.
When Kathleen held a series of company meeting last month, she made it clear she had accepted George’s offer so she could use Lucasfilm’s great assets to make movies, and was excited by the prospect of working with a new generation of writers and directors. And she dropped broad hints that she’d help bring Star Wars back to the big screen with George there to provide creative guidance. So part one of George’s conundrum was solved.
When George started talking about retirement several years ago, many of us were concerned. We felt strongly that it would take more Star Wars movies to ensure the survival of the brand; Expanded Universe fiction, merchandise, and even great TV series weren’t enough. In my mind, at least, the best possible endgame for Lucasfilm would be an acquisition by Disney. These are two companies that have family entertainment in their DNA; they complement each other in so many ways. In fact, when Star Wars premiered in 1977, more than a few reviewers said it was the kind of film that Disney should be making.
But Disney is a huge public corporation; wouldn’t Lucasfilm and Star Wars get swallowed up? The evidence is to the contrary. Look at the acquisition of Pixar, and more recently Marvel. While Disney has integrated some of their functions, both units have been given the kind of creative independence that has enabled them to flourish and continue the broad success that made them interesting to Disney in the first place. The Avengers, for example, was made after Disney acquired Marvel. It has become one of the most successful films of all time, and the franchise has never been stronger.
Even though I dreamed about such a merger of titans, I was still shocked to hear the news – pleasantly shocked to be sure. While things will develop over months and years, and thus many specific questions remain to be answered, there is so much that the companies bring to each other that the possibilities are endless. Besides Star Wars on the big screen, new television shows and a more active online presence are also great possibilities. Perhaps someday the fan dream of a full-blown Star Wars Land will become a reality. Or even smaller dreams, like Star Wars Weekends at all Disney parks, not just Walt Disney World.
Disney has shown through successful recent initiatives like its D23 fan club, magazine, and conventions that it values fans highly. I felt privileged that the main people behind D23 came to talk to me in advance to see how Lucasfilm handled the care and nurturing of fans.
So today I’m celebrating. And I feel very much like an 11-year-old George Lucas must have felt standing in line in 1955, waiting for the gates to open to see how another icon had turned fantasy into reality.
Steve Sansweet is Lucasfilm’s Fan Relations Adviser after serving as head of Fan Relations for 15 years. He is currently chief executive of Rancho Obi-Wan, a non-profit membership museum that houses the world’s largest private collection of Star Wars memorabilia: www.ranchoobiwan.org
Tags: disney, episode vii, future of star wars
I’m excited about this. What I would love more than anything is for you to make the Thrawn trilogy and Jedi Academy trilogy of books into movies. Both trilogies had amazing stories and great cast of existing and new characters. Anyone who hasn’t read these books should ASAP.
I agree. Michael Fassbender as Thrawn would be epic.
I think it’s very bad to sell the Star Wars to Disney !
The second trilogy was already a bad thing to the orignal movies.
Please, George ! Don’t play with the saga ! What the fans will they think of you ? That you have sell Star Wars only for money ? Hey George ! wake up !!!
A french fan of the first trilogy (IV, V, VI)
Thankfully, Pierreletrio, you will not be forced to go watch the new movies if you don’t want to. So should they not make any just because you don’t want them to? I loved the first trilogy (seen Empire in the theater, I was a kid…), I liked the prequels, and I will wait in line to see any future Star Wars movie… so tell me, should they not make them just because a few disgruntled fans don’t want them to?
Disney saved the Marvel franchise, made the great Pirates trilogy, made the Tron movies… I’m sure they can make great Star Wars movies too.
Wow, it finally happened. I’ve dreaded this day for a long time but I’ll say it was George’s brilliant mind and passion that guided the SW franchise all along and it’s those same qualities that obviously led to a very careful and loving decision to put the franchise in the best hands possible.
Disney? I guess it’s a good fit as long as the SW legacy isn’t trashed by executives who don’t understand or appreciate SW’s considerable emotional, spiritual and cultural significance. We don’t need more Spaceballs or God Forbid, Mickey Mouse with a light sabre.
I wish you the best, George, with all my heart. Thanks for the indelible imprint you and your work has made on since I was a kid in the 70’s. It can’t be easy taking a back seat now. I wish you happiness, good health and new creative horizons!
Thank you Les for acknowledging what has been done for the public and millions of fans worldwide. I would like to echo Les’ thoughts. Obviously, this has been a labor and a labor of love for George, and I know during my lifetime Star Wars has been a major theme and backdrop to the way I consider reality. Those most basic arhcetypal questions of good versus bad, light and dark, father, son, friends, and family have permeated my thoughts and subconscious since being introduced to the Galaxy far, far away. It cannot be overstated how much George deserves will have an historical place among the great storytellers.
Thank you George for 34 years (my age) of inspiration and entertainment. As you are passing the baton, so will I and I believe millions of other parents will, pass our love for your universe on to our children and generations to come.
great news!
i can’t wait to see episode 7,8 & 9…
i think star wars 7,8 & 9 with the cast from 4,5 & 6 would be fantastic
hey…
what if darth sidious had a twin brother who now wants to have revenge…secretly building a new dark empire …hmmmm
hey…
revealing that they actually did everything together and that sidious/palpetine in episodes 1 to 6 was sometimes his twin
hey…
luke a jedi master?…and his twin sister leia…also a jedi
han solo married to leia
and well whatever….think of something…may the force be with us for a long long time…
To DarthCoran…How about reading the books? SW isnt only about the mcvies ffs. The story after the battle of yavin and the fall of the emperor has been written ages ago…get your facts clear before posting such crap
Alex McCrindle (Jan Dodonna,) Bruce Boa (General Reeikan,) and Sebastian Shaw (Anakin Skywalker – the real one, not that piece of crap Hayden Christiansan Big George forced on us in the crappy Original Trilogy versions) are all, sadly, dead. You figure they would have to play roles in the new ones.
Aside from them, the actors from IV, V, & VI are all really old. It is ridiculous to think that they could reprise their roles in any believable fashion.
Also, it’s clear that you have followed none of the Expanded Universe. Palpy comes back. He doesn’t need a twin brother because he created many clones of himself and transferred his essence into one at the time of his death. He has a backup plan, as always. There is plenty of story that could be made into movies. I would be excited about the new movies, but I am terrified that they are going to ignore the already established canon and create their own story, which they have already said they are going to do. This guy talks about how fan friendly Disney is… I’ll believe that when they decide to use the Expanded Universe stories already in place. If they do something with Thrawn, they’ll have me for life. If they disregard everything Star Wars fans already know and love and do their own thing………………. Well, I have a great imagination and can act like it all ends today. I mean, it’s not like George made a 4th Indiana Jones movie or anything! No problem!
I am not familiar with the books…but it sounds good
Stupid me
I always felt that the 6 films were set apart from the other Star Wars media as the primary source. It was the rise, fall and rebirth of Anakin Skywalker and the events accompanying it; it has a beginning and end. The Expanded Universe has nearly accounted for every other second (ok, that’s exaggerating) of time since then to create a very cohesive and occasionally retconned continuity.
I thought that TV might make a cool medium to explore the Expanded Universe and give it the justice those large books require that a movie couldn’t do (without being “part 1 & part 2″). If the movies want to explore those that’s great — but if it’s all new material in this most primordial of settings, the motion picture, how will all the continuity be preserved? It feels inevitable that to create new stories, old stories must be destroyed in the process. Where does that leave us?
Has Star Wars matured to far to become malleable aside from the distant past and the distant future? If you can pull it off I welcome it, but until then, (sorry, I just have to ^_^) “I have a bad feeling about this.”
I don’t know what George’s thoughts and treatment are about, but with all great birth, rise, fall, redemption stories come legacy. I see tremedous possibilities for main source material to include the legacy of both Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker.
There are great people working on this stuff, I don’t think I have ever seen a film produced by Kathleen that wasn’t pure gold.
As long as the characters and stories connect with the audience it will be awesome, and I trust that the genius and giants of entertainment involved understand the heartstrings and human psyche of their audience.
I think the time for the nay saying is over, let’s get excited, the more I digest this news the more enthused I become.
if movies go to mainstream it will ruin the image and intelectual work, we dont want to see starwars every saturday morning, we dont want to see donald duck with lightsabers
anyway its lucas property he can screw it the way he wants,
Joss Whedon to pen and direct the third trilogy. That would be fantastic!
I sure hope Disney releases remastered Blu-rays of the original trilogy, without Lucas’ tweaks, and in which Han Shoots First. That would be sweet! (My VHS versions are getting old.)
Correct me if i’m wrong, but didn’t George create Lucasfilm because he grew tired and frustrated with the big “Studio” environment of Hollywood, and wanted to create a place where fellow likeminded filmmakers could get together free of the oppression and interference of the studio system and be free to create the films they wanted?
I can get over the loss of star wars, I can get over it going to Disney and all of that, but what I can’t get over is the idea of selling LucasFilm to a huge conglomerate type studio like Disney, because your basically selling out to the very thing you started Lucasfilm to go against in the first place.
Lucasfilm was a company that I looked up to and respected, and its something I modeled my own production company after. but to sell it to Disney strips it of all that made it good and pure to begin with. Now its just another tool in the huge cog of a major corporation, and no longer that wonderful sanctuary for independent filmmakers to create the films that they wanted to. I’m disappointed, and the whole thing has made me lose faith in the one role model I’ve had since I was 8 years old. Enjoy the new phase of Lucasfilm and star wars. As a lifelong fan, I wont be a part of it though….
My only concern is that I hope they really do come up with a new story (by new, I mean not a continuation from Episode VI). Since the story arc of Anakin’s corruption, fall, and redemption has already been completed. For the trilogy to be a success, it’s going to have to focus on new characters and new issues. I think a focus on the difficulty of nation building for the the physical issue would be good, highlighting the difficulties of building a functional republic. It would be especially resonant with the Arab spring and other examples of the difficulty of revolution. So far as the moral issue, we’ll see what they end up choosing. Whatever it is, as long as they don’t do a cheap rehashing of old material, it should be awesome
The best movie of the series, in my humble opinion, was Episode V. George provided the story but the screenplay wasn’t written by him, nor did he direct it. I have every reason to believe that we’re in for something special with Episodes VII-IX.
I’m 52 years old and I’m still waiting for the Episode VII, hopefully I will still be around for StarWars episode X. Just wished we could have the next episode with the original cast…. I was only 16 with I first say StarWars IV in Manila, Phil, and watch Episode III .. in Clonmel, Ireland. I don’t like Clone Wars.
No problem with this deal. But remember…the dark side sells…not Donald Buck…
Darth duck…lord pluto…master mickey
@darthcoran
I think you mean… Padawan Pluto!
M m mmay the the the force b b b be with you thats all folks
Thrawn trilogy directed by Joss Whedon, k go.
Sure…let’s do that…
I just need to know the time period the movies a placed in. Most importantly I hope it doesnt ruin current Star Wars time line.
I can give Disney a try !
I just hope they won’t screw it up
AND
I hope they get John Williams for the music again !
I can imagine many changes with Star Wars, but when the music won’t fit the movie will be garbage
I am not sure how to feel about this. I hope you know what you are doing George Lucas. Disney has a bad habit of taking good ideas and breaking them. I hope you do not let this happen Mr. Lucas. However, I will say that the Original SW movies that I grew up with from the 70’s/80’s (man I am getting old) were much better then the second generation of movies- the first generation was vastly superior.
I would really like to see that original edge, that movie making fire that the first series had- It was really well done, and, created the sequel master piece that we all know as the Star Wars triology. It also gave George Lucas a name to be reconed with.
It is my hope that Star Wars regains it’s edge. After all I was 12 years old when I saw Star Was at the Indian Hills theater in 1977. (I still remeber seeing “corvette summer”) That edge and fire did nothing but help me along in life in one way or another, along with the Indiana Jones series- simply superb movie making- where has it gone? Honest movie’s that were a tad violent but not in such a manner that they were ofensive to most people- including kids. The only modern day family fun series I can think of are the Pirate’s of the Caribbean- very fun.
Thanks for the movies George, I wish you and yours the best.
BTW, I would make the first movie with concern for the rise of the Jedi- they are, after all, the entire reason there is a Star Wars at all.
Would make for some very very cool effects and a killer story line.
JMHO
I am a 47 year old man and oddly enough I have gotten into Star Wars because of my 8 and 5 year old sons. I honestly am excited for the decision because the story will continue to inspire fathers and sons for the next generations.
As far as the whole corporate structure, stock sale and merger side of things– I believe Lucas made a gut decision based on making sure that the long term viability and integrity of the franchise would survive and thrive.
When my boys saw the decision online, and I explained it, they were very excited! Actually all 3 of us. Regards.
Lucas keeping Lucasfilm = no more Star Wars = bad.
Disney buying Lucasfilm = more Star Wars = good.
Good point…indeed you are powerfull
This is insane. I never dreamed Star Wars would get this big. It’s crazy. Beyond comprehension. Ludacris. I love it!!!
What is to become of the 3D movies? I was looking forward to seeing all of them in 3D.
Since that evening in High School when we slipped under the chain link fence at the drive-in and watched the first movie ‘Star Wars’ …until now when we see the new continuation of the saga with Disney, we are loyal fans forever. I hope that the sale allows George to create and develop a super cool script with yet another phenomenon free of the stress of running the entire show. The only question I have is what types of landscapes and characters will be imagined for the next three installments, not to mention story line? I have seen the original maybe 20 times already and look forward to three more in DIGITAL IMAX 3D with 7.1 Dolby and a special theatre ride attraction that takes the audience into the picture as an attraction at Disneyland and Disneyworlds. – AK
I am so happy to hear about more movies. Maybe this will help speed up the live action tv show too. I love the Star Wars universe. I read the EU (books and comics). I watch Clone Wars. I’m a fan. I might not enjoy every story but I love the univers. Please Star Wars fans…appreciate that the franchise will continue and grow. Look forward to the new possibilities. The new merchandise. The new EU that will come. It’s all good.
Come on people disiny is not going to trash Star Wars I mean look what they did with marvel also I hope the make a swtor trilogy p.s. sorry for the bad spelling
I know Disney is making the next episodes and everything, but please, can it be 100% pure Star Wars without Disney raping the franchise?…What I really mean is, every damn Disney made thing have to have the damn “Hidden Mickey” thing, if I see it anywhere in the films I would know Disney has brand raped it… No hidden Mickeys pls!!! Keep it virgin the way Lucas has… Please please please!!! I hope more people feel this way
The new star wars will be what George Lucas used to defy when he first started Lucasfilm for sure. There will certainly have the element of musical and uses of young (either new or already existed) celeb to run the princess role; my guess is Queen Leia and the new Disney’s princess.
Good example of what SW will become is Pirate of the Caribbean. The first PotC did not have the princess or musical elements; but when sold, the trilogy and the extra fourth all contain musical or princess’ elements (PotC2: “Extreme, comical 3-way-fight”, PotC3: “Pirate Queen” and “getting married in the middle of the fight”, PotC4: “the Johnny Depp’s waltz dancing”).
I’m not sure if its George’s obsession with his forever hits or the fear of not being able to create something this grand again, but he, of all people who defy big studio, should knew when to stop.
Star Wars will be alive during centuries… and far.
To all these people working to it: “May the Force be with you”.
This is good news. There can be some controversy but in the end this is good news for the franchise.
My only concern is that everyone is talking about the need to come up with a new story line to follow…. If you are a true fan you should know there are already story lines to follow. Lucas has worked very hard to make sure that the authors of the hundreds of books that I own follow a set story line. It doesn’t matter if we are going 5000 years in the past to the Old Republic or jumping ahead to Luke Skywalker’s grandson. The story line is there. We’ve already endured a convoluted reformation of the Boba Fett character. What is already set in ink and paper can not be deviated from or die hard fans will be lost and confused. I have big hopes to stand in line for a Midnight showing in the near future. I want to feel like I know what’s going on and I’m just seeing a story come to life. Please don’t screw up a good thing like the writers of Game of Thrones did to Season 2.
Wow, there’s a lot of disparaging remarks here. Why the negative posts? I realize this is an emotional topic for a lot of die-hard fans, but some of you really need to get a grip. Those of you complaining should instead be THANKING George for bringing his brilliant worlds to life in the first place. It’s his world; we’re the ones fortunate enough to get to play in it. Imagine how drab your lives would be without Star Wars, without Indiana Jones?
Obviously, this is an earth shattering announcement. I, like many of you, am very conflicted by the news. My first gut reaction was one of sadness, mainly because it seems that George has had his fill of not only SW, but film in general. I hope he does eventually decide to create his art films. I will certainly be standing in line to see them at the local indie theater. I know he has a great affinity with minimalist filmaking, which sounds ludicrous coming from the man who practically invented the modern day blockbuster film. Anyway, I felt very sad, trying to imagine a world in which George would no longer be the driving “force” behind Lucasfilm. But, after reflecting on this for a day or two, I realize that what he is attempting to do is not only preserve the SW name, but position it for its best chance of staying relevant and alive. Evidently, he must feel he’s no longer in any position to do this — or simply does not wish to have the responsibility any longer. As fans, we need to respect this. As much as we all love SW, imagine being surrounded by it 24/7 the way George has been. For the last 35-40 years? I’m sure it will come as some relief for him to step away from the burden of responsibility.
Yes, it saddens me to some degree but I think I can see his point. The Disney company has a much better chance at staying relevant and prosperous than Lucasfilm on its own, has a world-class distribution network, the marketing muscle to properly promote the films or other forms of entertainment Lucasfilm turns out, and has very rigid quality control standards. The success of the Marvel name is a good indicator of what we can expect from Disney as to how they represent Lucasfilm. And it seems like Ms. Kennedy is a sensible choice to lead the company. I am a bit surprised that George didn’t wish to “keep it in the family” and pass the baton to his son and daughter, but that’s his choice and besides, his children might not wish to be saddled with such responsibility (I’m sure they will have the option to contribute to the continuation of SW through Kennedy if they wish).
I only pray that Disney (and listen up, “The Mouse”) honors and respects everything this man has fought and toiled over for the last 40 years. Do not take this new jewel in your crown lightly, Disney!
George said it best, when he said he wanted to set up this transition during his lifetime. Better to take a proactive stance and ensure the SW name not only survives, but thrives, while George is still relatively “young”.
Finally — the man wants to retire, people! It’s clear that he has had his fill of running a corporation, and perhaps wants to do something different in this next phase of his life, so I hope you all respect that. I know I do. I wish Mr. Lucas all the best with whatever he wishes to do.
On that note…I’ve got something I’ve always wanted to express. Mr. Sansweet, if you have a chance please pass this on.
George — I know you’ve got better things to do than read Facebook posts! — I want to sincerely thank you for your creations, all of them: “THX-1138″, “Graffiti”, “Willow”, “Radioland Murders”, Indy (love, love, love Indy almost as much as SW — almost!), but especially Star Wars. I will miss knowing you’re at the helm, my friend. You’ve inspired me and captured my attention like no other. You’ve entertained me, made me laugh and cry, fueled my dreams, and motivated me to be an artist and creator as well. I am indebted to you, sir. I only wish I could have gotten a gig at ILM with the knowledge that you were still occasionally walking the halls; maybe, if all goes well, I will get a chance to work on Ep 7 in some capacity, have an opportunity to meet you at a screening of it, and thank you personally. Who knows? Stranger things have happened.
I truly wish you well in all you choose to pursue. Or not pursue. Hell, take a break brother. You’ve more than earned it. On an added note, I wish you had gotten a chance to build that new studio on Grady Ranch and am angry the NIMBY’s won this round. Would have meant more jobs and income for San Rafael. I live in nearby Marinwood, and fully supported your project. Alas, it is not to be, but I expect you’ve got something bigger and better on your radar.
To borrow a page and paraphrase from SW, everyone, don’t live in fear or anger over this. Try to embrace it. I know that I will be eagerly sitting in the theater with my two boys, as the lights dim and that familiar fanfare begins playing once again. Try to understand, this is what George wants. He has spent 30+ years delivering what YOU want. Trust that he knows what he is doing. He does (ok, except for the “Han shot first” thing!).
Star Wars, and all of Lucaafilm properties, are George’s children, and like any parent he wants to do what’s best for his children…to ensure their survival, and to know that his creations will be cared for. I, for one, believe they will.
Do your fingers hurt?…
Had something 2 say did ya…haha
To whom it may concern,
One of my oldest memories is seeing Star Wars: Return of The Jedi. In 1997, at just 5 years old, my parents took me to the theater for the first time to see its re-release. I was young, and slept through most of it, but I still remember it, and what I saw enthralled me. I have read countless books from the Expanded Universe, played many video games, collected LEGO sets, t-shirts, knick-knacks, etc. When asked my favorite movie, my answer is and will continue to be “Star Wars”. I even did some collaborative writing with some friends in which we created a new Star Wars timeline set in the very distant future of the original trilogy with new planets, species, heroes, villains, factions, characters, weapons, etc. Star Wars was actually a very large part of what led me to pursue, and inspires me to keep pursuing, a career as an author. I mean, I am a hardcore fan.
That being said, the following are my feelings and opinions of this whole Disney + Star Wars deal:
When I first heard about it, I was distraught and terrified, then ecstatic, and now I have more of a bipolar attitude towards it. While I would absolutely love to have more movies, I look at Disney and get this feeling they are going to create more Jar-Jars and not enough Obi-wans or Solos or Yodas, especially if Disney comes up with its own ideas/scripts. However, they do have a lot of material to work with already, and so long as they don’t mess with them too much I feel more movies could be exactly what Star Wars needs to be brought back to where it belongs in the movie, entertainment, and pop culture industry; straight to the front. I fear there are only two ways this could possibly go – incredibly great or dreadfully terrible. There is no middle ground here. A wise Jedi once said, “Do, or do not. There is no ‘try’.”
I beg everyone at Disney, please do not ruin this franchise. It means so much, to so many.
Sincerely,
Jaaziah S.
I gotta get a story consultant or production job there!
How many times did George Lucas backtrack on the ‘9 film’ history mentioned in the original trilogy days whilst filming the prequel trilogy? He’s on record many times saying that there would only be 6 films and that everything comes full circle and that’s it, the story is complete?
Sorry I’ve no problem with Disney exploiting the franchise and hell, even making some crappy CGI cartoon films. But canonical live action films. No. No no no no no. My generation’s collective childhoods were royally p***ed on with the prequels.
George Lucas, shame on you. Go count your money whilst what we cherished goes to hell in a handbasket.
As a fan of star wars and movie magic i’m sp happy to get new movies.I just pray they dont ignore the EU and the characters there.Also have grandmaster Luke be a huge character in the new movies.
Steve Sansweet can you please please PLEASE get the ear of someone at Lucasfilm to do a story, perhaps even an episode of Clone Wars concerning one of Star Wars most beloved but underappreciated species, the Ithorians. Separate from the Clone Wars I’d love to see the exhile story of Momaw Nadon put onscreen. When will the Ithorians get their due credit? I can’t even find a Star Wars novel that has Ithorians or an Ithorian character as a central character in a story arc. Please email me back at the provided email.
please hire me to work on the live action tv show in some kind of creative capacity , either writing or coming up with characters or environments or anything, or the new trilogy also
I walked across the desert daily during the summer vacation (6th grade) to see Star Wars in the ’70’s when it played for an unprecedented 1.5 years in our town of only 2 screens in total. I am a fan. I love this news.
However, the novels were almost as unprecedented as the films. A collaboration of Lucas’ team and authors to create a contiguous dozens and dozens of books by various authors … where one book picked up the story left by the last … where Luke’s era lived on. It has been an amazing ride.
Unfortunately, George has expressed – what’s the word, disregard? – for anything other than the films as it relates to canon. That worries me. If he penned the stories for the latest coming trilogy in contemporary years, I doubt he held with canon and the amazing accomplishment and talent of his team and the authors both. Mara Jade, the Solo’s kids … all gone? As a fan, I would really dislike that, and that feeling is no stranger to George’s fans. I hope Katherine and Disney don’t continue THAT legacy.
Disney is alright as long as it keeps its own “creativity” away from Star Wars. I better not see Darth Vader in a Disney park though…that’s just disturbing.
everyone said the same stuff when disney bought marvel comics… and look @ the avengers, and iron man 3….this can be a good thing…all you fan boys need to STFU… films 4,5,and 6 were great films, but everyone knows that 1,2,and 3 were crap because, lucus is a control freak, and controled those films in to the ground…i think this is a good desision, and it should have been bone a long time ago!!! lucus is no longer in the way.
I wish kathleen/george/disney owner would give us more info about ep 7
What will be the story
What will be the tone of the film
Who will be in it…and promise it will not be a movie more for my kids than me…
And why a new story…but call it ep 7…doesn’t this mean disney sorta will be making a reboot?…
If only the cast from 4-6 wasn’t forever old now… Who is going to direct? Personal top 3: Joss Whedon (did Firefly/Serenity, and that’s as close to Star Wars as I’ve seen). Peter Jackson (no one invests into a film like he does), Chris Nolan (Next to Jackson, no one invests like him). Writers? Kevin Smith (Silent Bob. Biggest Star Wars nerd out there!) and Jeph Loeb (Phenomenal writer). Biggest question – Who plays Han Solo? There’s a number of women who could amply revise Leia, and a few who could revise Luke (Matthew Gubler, Dr. Reid off of Criminal Minds being my favorite). But Solo has to have that certain something. Nathan Fillion had it, but he’s too old now. Lastly, what story gets done? Truce at Bakura (Kathy Tyers, 1993) started day after ROTJ. Or, like Lucas talked about in May 19th, 1980 article of TIME is the story gonna skip years into the future with C-3PO and R2-D2 being the only recurring characters?
I only hope they can return the old feeling to the saga, because part 1 to 3 are full of computer efects and really look awful, Just hope Disney treats Star Wars as they are taking care of Marvel.
Every time I see the picture of Mickey in a rebel flightsuit or a deathstar with mouse ears part of me dies. Even as a kid I didn’t like the crap Disney produced now they’re going to be mucking about with a franchise I’ve loved my entire life.
Who is the director for star wars ep 7??????????????
I want robert zemeckis to do star wars ep 7
Please….
StarWars is a must in my home an has been for Generations an some will roll over in their graves if StarWars were to change to nonsence Disney contractors like SelenaGomez well you know ect.
Great everyone is mentioning the Thrawn series but the Dark Empire series published by Dark Horse were just as instrumental in pushing Star Wars farther as well. That year 91 was pretty powerful in comics and would love to see the visual of Palpatine returning as a youthful clone to battle an older Luke Skywalker.
Recently lucasfilm has not given Star Wars fans what we want. Another example is the request online for a Battlefront3. And that game also at its release push Star Wars much further because it was as a movie that you were a part of. You could play scenes that were imagined being part of were the scenes matched those original movies.
It seems you have some pull as a writer to consider these comments. I would hope you express what’s stated here that the Dark Horse novels and past games like Battlefront I and II were instrumental in continuing the Star Wars piece forward. Whatever happens I hope Kathleen Kennedy gets the message that the novels and Zahn books are respected and honor by being mentioned in the upcoming film and BATTLEFRONT 3 GETS COMPLETED – BECAUSE ITS ABOUT TIME!
I know there has been all kinds of talk about the new Star Wars Episode VII, I seriously think Disney should think about having Peter Jackson (who did such an amazing job with Lord of the Rings) should direct it.
Can john williams still do music 4 sw…he is getting older …