If you've been living under a social media rock today, there is some news you need to hear: Disney has agreed to buy Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion and they plan on releasing Star Wars: Episode VII in 2015. If you're a huge Star Wars fan like me, this is either the best or worst news ever -- either way, it's huge. Personally, I am pumped. So pumped. Here are five reasons why:
1. Goodbye, George Lucas. Now, I don't hate the guy. But I will be the first to admit that while I enjoy Episodes I-III (especially III), George didn't do the best job with them. He is an excellent visual director, but he's terrible at harnessing the actors' talent and he can't write dialog to save his life. Think of the quality writers and directors the Star Wars brand name can attract. Sure, given the notoriety the prequels carry, it would be a risky move to write or direct a new Star Wars movie, but there are undoubtedly many great writers and directors willing to take a shot at it.
Lucas signs his life way. I hope this agreement contains a clause that he can't go back and tinker with the old films ever again. Full press release and image from here.
2. Pixar and Marvel. Marvel makes great comic book movies and, for the most part, Pixar makes the best animated movies. I'm hoping this logic follows with future Star Wars movies from the new Disney-owned Lucasfilm.
3. Despite the acquisition, Lucasfilm is not Disney. The acquisition allows ol' George to step down, letting others add to the Star Wars universe he has created. Lucas has simply entrusted Disney to protect -- and hopefully honor -- Lucasfilm's Star Wars brand (while padding his pockets with $4.05 billion).
4. Learn from the past. With the sale of Lucasfilm, Lucas has appointed longtime cohort Kathleen Kennedy as president. Under new leadership, I hope Lucasfilm will be wary to repeat the mistakes they made with Episodes I, II, and III.
5. Midnight. Maybe best of all, it gives me an opportunity to dust off my old Jedi robes*, head down to the theater and camp out all day while I wait for the midnight showing. In short, I have another opportunity to make memories with my family and friends. For me, that's what Star Wars is all about.
Since the release of Episode III, I've always wondered what Star Wars in someone else's hands would look like. With this acquisition I will finally see that. I couldn't be more excited.
*I don't actually own a set of Jedi robes. That needs to change.
Update: My brother Thomas is speculating on directors on his blog. Check out the post here and be sure to follow his blog.
I hadn't thought about number 5 yet, but that alone makes me excited! Also I think that seeing how others have handled the expand universe, such as The Clone Wars, books, and video games, I think someone will come up with a great concept for new films.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see How Disney handles Star Wars!
ReplyDeleteSo does this only include Star Wars or all Lucasfilm productions as well?
ReplyDeleteIts all of Lucasfilm which is mostly just Indiana Jones and Star Wars
DeleteI initially feared that the movies will get watered down without the original actors, etc. BUT...then I remembered that Disney does great things. I doubt they will make a subpar Star Wars film. And you're right...MORE MIDNIGHT SHOWINGS!
ReplyDeleteKathleen Kennedy seems like less of a "yes man (woman)" than Rick McCallum was. I agree, Lucas is a terrific visual director. He functions best as a producer, story writer (different from screenwriter; let someone else write the dialogue), and creative consultant. I've been sharing Star Wars with my six year old. It's magical to experience it with someone that age.
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