COURTESY OF FORBES.COM:

George Lucas said in a statement that it is “now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers.”

“I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime,” Lucas said. “I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”

Kathleen Kennedy, now co-chairman of Lucasfilm, becomes president of the company, reporting to Disney Chairman Alan Horn. She’s also act brand manager for Star Wars. The announcement said she will serve as executive producer on new fils in the franchise, with Lucas as creative consultant. The announcement notes that Star Wars Episode 7 is scheduled for release in 2015, with more films expected to follow.

ARE YOU READY FOR STAR WARS EPISODE 7?!?!?!?!

“Star Wars: Episode 7″?

It’s happening according to a news release just issued by the Walt Disney Co., which just announced its acquisition of Lucasfilm.

The new film is targeted  to open in 2015, with Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy serving as executive producer and George Lucas serving as creative consultant, the release said.

Additional feature films are expected to “continue the ‘Star Wars’ saga and grow the franchise well into the future,” the statement said.

COURTSESY OF LA TIMES

http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/10/30/star-wars-new-feature-film-set-for-2015/