Disney Not Stopping at Star Wars 7: 3 Films and More Coming!

Mouse House plans to follow through on George Lucas' original vision for Episodes 7, 8 and 9

By Natalie Finn Oct 31, 2012 12:01 AMTags
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George Lucas' original vision is going to become a reality.

After initially offering up the promise of a seventh Star Wars film in 2015, Disney—which bought Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion this week—revealed today that Episode 7, 8 and 9 are in the works.

The Mouse House is planning on releasing the ensuing sequels every two to three years, Disney chief exec Robert Iger said in a conference call with reporters.

Back when Lucas was announcing plans for Star Wars: Episode 1—The Phantom Menace back in the 1990s (those high expectations we harbored were so long ago), he indicated that he envisioned both three prequels and three sequels to kick off and cap off his seminal trilogy.

And now, Disney is looking to make it happen.

The mega-brand is also interested in developing new Star Wars properties for its theme parks (what, improve on Star Tours?!) and Disney XD network. 

"We love the fact that this will take its place in our live-action strategy as a known and loved brand," Iger said. "We really like Star Wars potential on TV, and Disney XD would be a great home for that."

But while Lucas characterized the Disney buyout as a changing of the guard, veteran producer and current Lucasfilm cochair Kathleen Kennedy isn't moving to a galaxy far, far away—she'll remain as president under Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn and executive-produce the coming Star Wars films.

And, of course, Lucas created the whole universe, so...his name won't be forgotten.