Pet Please #80: George Lucas No Longer Owns Star Wars

Sweet baby Skywalker.

The day has finally, finally come. Nay–I didn’t think this day would ever come. I really didn’t even think it was a possibility. Which makes it all the more sweet.

Disney bought Lucasfilm from George Lucas so that they could own Star Wars. And they’ve already said that Star Wars VII is in pre-production and will be released in 2015.

Wow.

Perhaps I should point out that I am a HUGE Star Wars fan. I discovered the franchise later than most kids–I think I was 11 or 12 at the time–but I was completely enamored by it. Especially the idea and the philosophy behind the Force, which was completely lost when Lucas made Episodes 1-III.

Although my respect for Lucas’ storytelling and entertaining abilities has plummeted, I give him full credit for creating three mostly amazing films in Episodes IV-VI. Episode V is by far my favorite at this point, but I’m happy to watch any of those three at any time.

I was incredibly excited when Episode I came out. I saw it four times in the theater before I realized how bad it was–that’s how enamored I was by Star Wars. All the components were there–the universe, the characters, the music, the special effects–but on the surface it was silly, poorly written, poorly acted, and there was nothing under the surface. No wonderment or magic behind the Force. Unfortunately that trend continued through the other prequels.

Like so many other Star Wars fans, I resigned myself to the fact that at least we would always have the original films. Maybe there would be TV shows (there is an animated series that is pretty good) or other ancillary adventures, but there would always be three great movies, three terrible movies, and nothing else.

Until today.

Today is the day that George Lucas sold the films to Disney. Disney, the studio that bought Pixar and continues to let Pixar make incredible films. Disney, the studio that bought Marvel and continues to let Marvel make incredible films.

The one big difference here is that George Lucas isn’t going to continue making Star Wars films for Disney. He might consult on the films since he knows the Star Wars universe better than anyone else, but that’s it.

That means that Disney can hire a great director and a great writer to make a great Star Wars movie for the first time in 30 years. Mind. Blown.

Of course, speculation is running rampant about which director will be hired and when the movie will be set (after all, most of the original actors are still alive). If I had my pick of directors…you know, I’d have to go with Brad Bird, director of The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Mission: Impossible IV. I don’t think he’ll do it, but I think he does a fantastic job of melding story, characters, and action. I also would not put it past Jon Favreau to do a great job, especially considering what he did with Iron Man. Tony Stark is essentially Han Solo in a robot suit instead of the Millennium Falcon, so I could see that being a wild ride.

Whatever happens, I could not be happier that this buyout has happened, and I can’t wait for 2015. I’m already standing in line.

9 thoughts on “Pet Please #80: George Lucas No Longer Owns Star Wars”

  1. As a huge Star Wars fan myself (clearly, as I sit in the John Cook School of Business dressed like Han Solo complete with mini stuffed Chewbacca), I am terrified that this buyout will lead to the making of movies that don’t stick with the overall feel and essence of the rest of the franchise. Despite Jar Jar Binks and other unfortunate slip-ups in Episodes I, II and III, with Lucas behind them, they had the same feel as the originals. I worry that Disney may go the way of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time and create a terrible film that makes children (who may have a Disney version as their first Star Wars experience) not even remotely interested in seeing the original series.

    I hope I’m wrong.

    Reply
    • Amanda–I slightly share the same concern. Like, I don’t want a director putting his/her “spin” on Star Wars and filming it in a way that is completely different than the other movies. However, I really don’t think that’ll happen. I think directors will adhere to the look and feel of the previous films while improving the story/acting.

      That is my only hope.

      Reply
    • I thought about that, but I’d like to see Nolan tread back into uncharted territory. I don’t want him to have to answer to a fanbase. I want another Inception or Memento or The Prestige from him–something completely fresh and new.

      Reply
  2. Please no more Star Wars sequels! I think they are killing the Star Wars by making more of them. I like the old, non-CG versions of them. We still have the VHS. Old school style!

    Reply
    • I’m with you, Jasmin. Somehow there’s more magic to the non-CG versions. That’s why I think Favreau could do well with the new ones.

      Reply
  3. My father said to me, “You know the new one is going to suck.” I’ll direct him to this post…your blog, Facebook, and Twitter…cuz you’re awesome, and let him defend himself. I kind of agree because I took it as, “Oh, another buyout for the guy to be a billionnaire.” That’s my pessimism.

    After reading your post, you make some points that give me a little hope. I nominate Tim Burton to be Director or Producer or Stop-motion animator! Can you imagine stop-motion Star Wars?!

    See we shall. May The Force be with you.

    Reply
    • A Tim Burton version would be really interesting! It probably wouldn’t match the tone of the other movies, but it certainly would be unique.

      I just read a few minutes ago that Lucas is donating the vast majority (90%, I think) of those billions to charity. Which is very cool. And it’s not even in response to the angry fans or anything like that–it’s a pledge he took with Bill Gates and a few other rich guys a while ago.

      Reply

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