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Multimedia => The Sequel Trilogy => Topic started by: Jayson on October 30, 2012, 04:13 PM

Title: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Jayson on October 30, 2012, 04:13 PM
http://www.businessinsider.com/disney-buys-lucasfilm-for-4-billion-2012-10

And Episode 7 is coming in 2015

(http://pinkagendist.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/dawn-exploding-head.jpg)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Greg on October 30, 2012, 04:20 PM
This feels like April Fools... but it's October 30th. I is confused.  ???
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Dave on October 30, 2012, 04:21 PM
Lucas must have terminal cancer to give up his control of his projects.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 30, 2012, 04:23 PM
Is this some sort of elaborate prank? 

I think I just heard the internet break.

Epsiode 7?!?!?   (http://jedidefender.com/jsmentek/freakout.gif)

Maybe that's why Hasbro had to extend the license to 2020 recently?  :-X

This has to mean a SW-themed area at one of the parks now, right? 

And slowly but surely Disney XD will become the new home for Star Wars animation.

Holy ****.  If this isn't some elaborate prank, it's nuts I tell you...  NUTS.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 04:29 PM
I've been saying for years that there's too much money involved to not make more SW movies... I didn't actually think it would happen though.

This is insane.

Maybe collecting will become cool again....
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Darth Kenobi on October 30, 2012, 04:35 PM
Still can't really tell if this is the truth or not, saw the posting on Facebook by Gentle Giant then googled some stories on it.  I was always assuming that once Lucas died they would be new movies made, just too much money out there that could be made.  Wonder what the story line for these new films would be. 
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Brian on October 30, 2012, 04:37 PM
Crazy.  I also kept checking the date thinking "well, its not April, so what's going on here?".  Hard to believe it is real.  I know that not everyone was high on the prequels, but I can't deny that I'm pretty giddy with the possibility of new Star Wars on the way.  This seemed to come completely out of nowhere.  This should definitely give a kick to fandom as well, as we all start buzzing about the possiblities of new movies - what time period, who is included, etc.

This also means that currently Avengers 2, Justice League, and new Star Wars are all scheduled for release in 2015...maybe the apocalypse is on the way later this year :).  With Marvel and Star Wars, I'd say Disney will be making some (more) money in the coming years.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: iFett on October 30, 2012, 04:39 PM
Wow....just when I thought Star Wars would be taking a nap for awhile.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Diddly on October 30, 2012, 04:39 PM
This has to be a joke right?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 04:39 PM
Still can't really tell if this is the truth or not, saw the posting on Facebook by Gentle Giant then googled some stories on it.  I was always assuming that once Lucas died they would be new movies made, just too much money out there that could be made.  Wonder what the story line for these new films would be.

Definitely real.  Every major news outlet imaginable is reporting it. 

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Brian on October 30, 2012, 04:41 PM
Wow....just when I thought Star Wars would be taking a nap for awhile.

Yeah, just when I keep telling the Mrs. "well, the Star Wars stuff seems to be slowing down, so I doubt there will be a whole lot more to collect that's new".  Whoops :).
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 30, 2012, 04:44 PM
From Disney's CEO, Robert Iger (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/disney-acquire-lucasfilm-ltd-195100740.html):

Quote
The last Star Wars movie release was 2005’s Revenge of the Sith – and we believe there’s substantial pent up demand. In 2015, we’re planning to release Star Wars Episode 7 – the first feature film under the “Disney-Lucasfilm” brand. That will be followed by Episodes 8 and 9 – and our long term plan is to release a new Star Wars feature film every two to three years. We’re very happy that George Lucas will be creative consultant on our new Star Wars films and that Kathleen Kennedy, the current Co-Chair of Lucasfilm, will executive produce. George handpicked Kathy earlier this year to lead Lucasfilm into the future. She’ll join Disney as President of Lucasfilm, reporting into Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn and integrating and building the Star Wars franchise across our company.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Darth Kenobi on October 30, 2012, 04:47 PM
Still can't really tell if this is the truth or not, saw the posting on Facebook by Gentle Giant then googled some stories on it.  I was always assuming that once Lucas died they would be new movies made, just too much money out there that could be made.  Wonder what the story line for these new films would be.

Definitely real.  Every major news outlet imaginable is reporting it.

Yeah it's definitely real since it's all over the place now.  Will be interesting to see what this will do for the franchise.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Diddly on October 30, 2012, 04:48 PM
There's absolutely no way this goes poorly
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 30, 2012, 04:48 PM
What about Indy 5?  This has to mean the mouse will get us Indy 5 too, right?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: DSJ™ on October 30, 2012, 04:51 PM
Well that's it. We're on an express elevator to hell; going down! Game over, man. Game over.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Brian on October 30, 2012, 04:51 PM
I wonder if "Episode 7" really means anything as far as timeline goes, and that it will follow things post-ROTJ.  Or, it could just mean new Star Wars, and fit in anywhere.  Do we see the OT "era" of stuff with recast Han/Luke/Leia (and no Vader?).  Do we see something way earlier like Old Republic type stuff?  Or do we see things all over the place like a Boba Fett movie (that has been discussed from time to time) then something else.  Really curious what we'll see.  You would think news could start rolling in pretty quickly if they are going to hit that 2015 date.  I mean, they won't necessarily be filming or anything yet, but at least cast/director/timeframe/etc.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 04:51 PM
What about Indy 5?  This has to mean the mouse will get us Indy 5 too, right?

I think so... they were already working on it and Kathleen Kennedy was already onboard... I don't see any reason this would negatively impact Indiana Jones movies...

Quite frankly, and I might be alone on this, I'd rather see Disney running the show than George Lucas.  There's at least a chance that they get it (more) right.

I wonder if "Episode 7" really means anything as far as timeline goes, and that it will follow things post-ROTJ.  Or, it could just mean new Star Wars, and fit in anywhere.  Do we see the OT "era" of stuff with recast Han/Luke/Leia (and no Vader?).  Do we see something way earlier like Old Republic type stuff?  Or do we see things all over the place like a Boba Fett movie (that has been discussed from time to time) then something else.  Really curious what we'll see.  You would think news could start rolling in pretty quickly if they are going to hit that 2015 date.  I mean, they won't necessarily be filming or anything yet, but at least cast/director/timeframe/etc.

I'm wondering the same thing... Lucas always said he had a 9 movie thing planned out from the beginning... I don't know how that would work given the age of the actors, or the content of his original ideas, but to me anything that builds on the OT instead of making new **** up for the PT would be better than what we saw over the last 10 or 15 years.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: speedermike on October 30, 2012, 04:55 PM
Oddly, I have a good feeling about this.  Look at what Disney is doing with Marvel.  They have someone great who is running it well.  I love Lucas, but non of us were blown away by the prequels.  I don't hate them at all, but they could have been so much better.  Imagine if the bring in talented, cheap directors like they are doing for Marvel.

The real question is what will Episdoe 7 be about?

Hamill and crew are too old for and Zahn type stuff.  I hope they create something totally new, use the droids, maybe Chewbacca, and have Luke be an old Jedi who is only in small parts.  I don't know.

Let Johnston make his Boba Fett film!
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Carpeteria3000 on October 30, 2012, 05:00 PM
This is pretty amazing news, and it's either the best thing or worst thing ever for the SW brand. It all depends on who gets to helm the project and how it all comes together. I'm totally shocked, and I never thought at this point I'd ever be looking forward to more SW movies... wow.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 05:08 PM
Press Release from Walt Disney Co. (http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-news/press-releases/2012/10/disney-acquire-lucasfilm-ltd)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Brian on October 30, 2012, 05:08 PM
So, I would guess that we'll see the entire OT released in 3D in 2014 then?  Maybe that is why they decided to finish off the PT next Fall, and line up an OT release over several weeks the following year...leading into a new movie the next Spring?

I'm not even sure what I want from new movies.  Honestly, I'm much more attached to the OT "crew", but I'm not even sure how they would go about it.  Use the original actors (only older, and maybe doubtful Ford would sign up), recast with younger actors (which maybe wouldn't be the same).....man, just so much to think about.  I've missed this type of excitement looking forward to a new Star Wars project though, I'll admit.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 30, 2012, 05:10 PM
New features at SW.com:

Lucas comments on the future of Star Wars = NEW VIDEO SERIES: A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF STAR WARS (http://starwars.com/news/a-discussion-about-the-future-of-star-wars/index.html)

And - PASSING THE BATON: MEET KATHLEEN KENNEDY (http://starwars.com/news/passing-the-baton-meet-kathleen-kennedy/index.html), the new ExProd of the new Star Wars movies.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: shmashwitdaclub on October 30, 2012, 05:15 PM
omg omg omg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyqlTi7lkhY&feature=youtu.be

oops we have this videoo linked already....  move along
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 05:17 PM
The main reason I have faith that this could be awesome is Kathleen Kennedy. 

Her resume is incredible.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: P-Siddy on October 30, 2012, 05:20 PM
This is big news.  As for SW 7, I'm hesitant to get excited until I know what it's about.  I always thought that Lucas said the story was about Anakin's fall to the dark side and his redemption... so, what's left to tell, unless they do a live action Clone Wars movie.... or redo (I think the 'in' word is reimagine) the prequels to something that Scott has posted on the forums.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: shmashwitdaclub on October 30, 2012, 05:21 PM
so does this squash the possibility of the TV show happening or does this put it on the fast track?  Curious because Marvel is bringing out the SHIELD series with the millions of Marvel movies coming out
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 05:21 PM
I am not sure if I should be happy or not.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: P-Siddy on October 30, 2012, 05:29 PM
Just can't wait for the commercials: "Get your classic 40th anniversary edition of Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope before it returns to the vault." (or however the use that scare tactic).
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 05:29 PM
I am not sure if I should be happy or not.

No sense fighting it Jesse.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: P-Siddy on October 30, 2012, 05:32 PM
Now we can say that Disney raped our childhood.  :P
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scockery on October 30, 2012, 05:32 PM
Part of me still thinks "A NEW HOPE" remake will happen, not sequels.

Part of me wonders what this means for Hasbro's involvement with Star Wars products, before or after their contract expires...if anything.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: iFett on October 30, 2012, 05:35 PM
I just hope we get something rad....The prequels were....not what I was expecting.  I want something to blow me away....
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: shmashwitdaclub on October 30, 2012, 05:37 PM
Part of me still thinks "A NEW HOPE" remake will happen, not sequels.

Part of me wonders what this means for Hasbro's involvement with Star Wars products, before or after their contract expires...if anything.

Didn't Hasbro just renew their contract to a longer term?

update:  yep, 2020
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 30, 2012, 05:43 PM
Yes.  Over the summer, Hasbro announced the Star Wars license was extended to 2020...

Disney has a great relationship with Hasbro and Hasbro has a great relationship with LFL.  I'm sure there will be some changes to the license that will happen with Disney taking over (Lucas getting a cut of Hasbro profits, for one thing), but unless someone throws a ****load of money at Disney, I really don't see them giving the license to anyone else anytime soon. 
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: P-Siddy on October 30, 2012, 05:48 PM
I wonder if we now have a shot at the Tonnika Sisters being made?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: shmashwitdaclub on October 30, 2012, 06:03 PM
Quote
I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of fans suddenly cried out in ecstasy

-- Obi-Wan Kenobi
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Dave on October 30, 2012, 06:09 PM
I just hope we get something rad....The prequels were....not what I was expecting.  I want something to blow me away....

Like "John Carter"?  Wow.  Anybody see that Disney turd?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scockery on October 30, 2012, 06:09 PM
Yes.  Over the summer, Hasbro announced the Star Wars license was extended to 2020...

Disney has a great relationship with Hasbro and Hasbro has a great relationship with LFL. 

Hasbro gave the impression that LFL has seemed pushy lately, though, that's why we are getting those smaller class 2 vehicles next year. So will LFL oversite remain the same or loosen up?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: jadesfire on October 30, 2012, 06:52 PM
I couldn't wait to get home and log in here when I got an email at work about this.  I thought for sure it was some massive prank but I guess not.  Wow.......still in shock reading through this thread.....off to check all the links posted.....
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: iFett on October 30, 2012, 07:06 PM
Like "John Carter"?  Wow.  Anybody see that Disney turd?

I did not, but guess I'm looking forward to more of the same then.  Oh well....I had hope for a few short hours.   :(   ;)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Morgbug on October 30, 2012, 07:36 PM


Quite frankly, and I might be alone on this, I'd rather see Disney running the show than George Lucas.  There's at least a chance that they get it (more) right.

You are not alone.  I'm hoping that Disney's ego is a little more capable of taking in some fan feedback and righting the LFL ship to a degree.  There's a lot of negativity surrounding the prequels and Indy IV.  While it's hard to take as the creative party behind that you should at least pay some attention to those comments, given how widespread they are.  It's not just a small, rabid group of fans voicing their discontent.  I'm hoping that Disney can make it about the plot again rather than quite so much about marketing opportunities if only because they have that covered. 
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 07:38 PM
Meh.  John Carter was a rushed attempt to capitalize on the success of Avatar, and they blew it.  There are better people already involved in the Star Wars stuff.

Kathleen Kennedy selected filmography:

Producer:

2014 Jurassic Park IV (producer) (announced)
? ? ? ? Indiana Jones 5 (producer) (announced)
? ? ? ? The Adventures of Tintin: Prisoners of the Sun (producer) (announced)
2012 Lincoln (producer)
2011 War Horse (producer)
2011 The Adventures of Tintin (producer)
2010 Hereafter (producer)
2010 The Last Airbender (executive producer)
2008 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (producer)
2008 Ponyo (producer - english version)
2008 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (executive producer)
2007 The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (producer)
2005 Munich (producer)
2005 War of the Worlds (producer)
2003 Seabiscuit (producer)
2002 Signs (executive producer)
2001 Jurassic Park III (producer)
2001 A.I. Artificial Intelligence (producer)
1999 The Sixth Sense (producer)
1997 The Lost World: Jurassic Park (executive producer)
1996 Twister (producer)
1995 The Indian in the Cupboard (producer)
1995 Congo (producer)
1995 The Bridges of Madison County (producer)
1994 Milk Money (producer)
1993 Schindler's List (executive producer)
1993 Jurassic Park (producer)
1993 Alive (producer)
1991 Hook (producer)
1991 Cape Fear (executive producer)
1990 Arachnophobia (producer)
1990 Gremlins 2: The New Batch (executive producer)
1990 Back to the Future Part III (executive producer)
1990 Joe Versus the Volcano (executive producer)
1989 Back to the Future Part II (executive producer)
1988 The Land Before Time (co-executive producer)
1988 Who Framed Roger Rabbit (executive producer)
1987 *batteries not included (executive producer)
1987 Empire of the Sun (producer)
1986 The Money Pit (producer)
1985 The Color Purple (producer)
1985 Back to the Future (executive producer)
1985 The Goonies (executive producer)
1984 Gremlins (executive producer)
1984 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (associate producer)
1982 Poltergeist (associate producer)
1982 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (producer)

She's worked with the best for decades.  She'll know how to find the right people for this stuff.  Quite frankly, I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Spielberg signs on for Star Wars - he's talked before about doing one and the connection is definitely there.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scott on October 30, 2012, 07:48 PM
I knew knew knew that this would happen.  If I had time I'd find my post...I'm more than stoked!
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Phrubruh on October 30, 2012, 07:59 PM
Excellent! Now lets bulldoze Finding Nemo Subs and the Autopia and build Star Wars Land at Disneyland!!!!!
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Matt_Fury on October 30, 2012, 08:32 PM
I like that Lucas will only be a creative consultant...but I should be more excited than I am right now.   :-\
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Brian on October 30, 2012, 08:51 PM
One of the first things I thought of (and was mentioned earlier too) is what if they got Spielberg to direct one of these new SW movies.  With the relationship there with both Lucas and Kennedy (and the fact that he and others like Ron Howard, almost did in the past), it is entirely possible.  The interwebs would probably explode once again if the "Spielberg to Direct Episode 7" announcement came down the pike.

I noticed that in that short video at SW.com, Lucas mentions that he has had the ideas for 7-9 for awhile now, so I wonder if we really are getting the post-ROTJ stories (possibly with the OT characters?).  They are getting up there, but I would think most of them aside from Ford would be up for it...and having Kennedy and possibly someone like Spielberg involved might be the one chance to get him signed up.  Who knows...it is just exciting to be talking about stuff like this again :).
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 09:05 PM
I am not sure if I should be happy or not.

No sense fighting it Jesse.

What way should I not fight though?  I'm really just sort of...  eh...  I don't know how to describe this feeling, actually.  I feel like Data right after he gets the emotion chip in.

My friend, who's a casual fan, wrote me that he was fooled once and won't be again.  I kind of feel like that I guess, but I won't ignore this either.

I'm kind of into how into it some of you guys are though (Rob, Scott).  It's nice to see.  Hope Paul's feeling as optomistic as you guys are. :)  I'm not a pessimist about it either, I just don't know what to think.  *shrugs*
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 09:07 PM
BTW I see in the video that Lucas is already mentioning the expansion of the presence in the park.  Not bad.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: JesseVader08 on October 30, 2012, 09:09 PM
There's no doubt about the many letdowns of the prequels, but with a new team leading Lucasfilm into the next trilogy, I'm actually quite optimistic about it. 
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 09:10 PM
I'm kind of into how into it some of you guys are though (Rob, Scott).  It's nice to see. 

I've never been the guy who thinks that making a bad sequel or remake diminishes the original... I still like Raiders of the Lost Ark as much as ever even if Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was disappointing.  For me, Episode I didn't diminish how great Empire Strikes Back was in any way.  So I say let them do it.  Worst case scenario, it sucks and we all bitch about it on the internet. 

But what if ends up being good? 

To me it's no risk, all reward.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Tracy on October 30, 2012, 09:23 PM
So this is why my internet has been running so slow all day............ ;)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 09:27 PM
I've not lost love for the originals, and I even tolerate the PT well...  better than most of you guys! :)

I just am dejected with the direction things went, and I hate the thought of it somehow being made worse, which I think can happen.  The PT's, I guess to me, did detract from SW overall...  I didn't dislike the OT any, but I'm the kind of guy who can't separate them either.  So it went from 3 great movies, to 3 great movies with 3 you have to accept as part of it too, and they're 3 flawed movies (far more flawed than the OT, even the SE's, ever will be).

To that end I even really like ROTS...  I watched TPM and AOTC though recently, and those become harder to watch every time they're on, and I find myself turning the channel.  Never thought it would happen but it has.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 09:28 PM
Another BTW from me...

Nobody's even mentioned the re-releases in 3-D yet.   :-X

Now where do you go with those?  Complete fold on them?  Ahead as sorta planned?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 10:20 PM
To that end I even really like ROTS...  I watched TPM and AOTC though recently, and those become harder to watch every time they're on, and I find myself turning the channel.  Never thought it would happen but it has.

I'm with you there.  ROTS had problems, but it was by far the best of the three.  If it was the worst of the three, the trilogy might have been decent.  We watched all 6 in order recently (when the Blu-Ray set came out) and 1 and 2 are unbearably bad.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: McMetal on October 30, 2012, 10:33 PM
What's all this then? New Star Wars movie? NEW STAR WARS MOVIE?!?!?

For tonight at least, I'm freaking off the charts excited. Tomorrow, the skepticism may start to set in, but right now I am loving everything about this!

There has to be some kind of positive upside for the Clone Wars franchise too right?

Was this the big event planned to bring collectors back starting next year? (guessing not, but...)

Hell yeah, new Star Wars movies! And now I can experience them side by side with my kids! Pure awesome sauce!!!
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scott on October 30, 2012, 10:43 PM
Here's the deal to me...going into the Prequels we all knew the endgame we didn't know where or how it got there.  Now it is wide open...this could be 1000 years in the future for all we know.  Gone (hopefully) are all of the ******* blatant yes men like Burtt and McCallum.  I think a clean slate with Jedi and Sith...I'm in and I'm excited

What I don't want is forced cameos with Fisher, Hamill and Ford...
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jayson on October 30, 2012, 10:50 PM
What I don't want is forced cameos with Fisher, Hamill and Ford...

Amen
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Carpeteria3000 on October 30, 2012, 10:52 PM
But what if ends up being good? 

To me it's no risk, all reward.

In a way, yes, but also no. I still feel the same way about the original movies, but the brand as a whole feels SO much more watered down to me in part due to the prequels, cartoons, whatever else, and the name as a whole doesn't mean as much to me as it once did. I'm sure we're going to get some movies that will be a lot of fun to watch, and while it's enormously unlikely they'll ever match up to the original three, they'll be worth seeing, just because.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Carpeteria3000 on October 30, 2012, 10:52 PM
What I don't want is forced cameos with Fisher, Hamill and Ford...

Can they be totally unforced, starring roles, then?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Darby on October 30, 2012, 10:55 PM
There were always going to be more SW movies. Lucas or no, there's simply too much money at stake not to. One has to wonder what's in store - I'm honestly intrigued by his original concept for 7, 8 and 9 - but 2015? They're shooting tomorrow? I don't think this will be a movie on the scale of those we've seen previously, unless I'm missing something.

The sale to Disney bugs me. I never thought Lucas would sell off his companies. I figured he'd try to keep them independent no matter what. Maybe he thinks this way they endure. Unfortunately for SW at least, it guarantees the dilution of something truly special. We will be sick of SW no doubt very quickly.

As for OT cameos - I WANT Mark Hamill as Old Luke. Let's see it.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: JediJman on October 30, 2012, 11:03 PM
I like that Lucas will only be a creative consultant...but I should be more excited than I am right now.   :-\

I've resisted the urge to say anything about this until know as I've been mulling over the possibilities.  I love love love the idea of more films.  Like many, I figured this was just a matter of time, but I honestly did not think we'd get them for another 10-20 years or more.  If Disney can come up with something even close to what they're doing with Marvel, then this should be an amazing ride.

However...

I'm approaching this with cautious optimism.  Lucas staying on as a consultant could easily ruin this.  If he has enough say in what happens, these could suck and suck big. Lucas did something amazing with the OT, but his prequels were terrible with things like trade embargos and Jar Jar.  He's also stated he could care less for the fanboys out there and almost seems interested in going against their wishes.  Hopefully his role is minimal, but I'd much rather have a clean break from his influence.

I also think creating something that pleases everyone is going to be really difficult.  A lot of people probably want to see the core characters or at least some of them return.  Some people want Hamill and Fisher and Ford back to at least transition to some new characters - others want a clean break.  Some people will want them to focus on ties to the OT and what happens immediately following, while others likely want something much further in the future.  Someone suggested movies that could bounce around in time, which could be cool or could be total filler.  Will they map to something from the EU?  Will it be entirely new?  Will it conflict with what is establsihed in the EU?  I hope Disney has an amazing plan for the franchise similar to what they're doing with Marvel, but who knows.  Have they even confirmed a script yet?  It sounds like their has already been a good deal of planning, but who knows how detailed (or how good) those plans are.

I'm excited and hopeful - I just hope they can do the franchise justice and produce something on par with the Star Wars I grew up with.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 30, 2012, 11:04 PM
I don't want forced cameos either, but I could see Hamill as the elder Jedi type depending on the timeline and plot.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 11:12 PM
What I don't want is forced cameos with Fisher, Hamill and Ford...

Amen

Thirded...  I really don't want to see classic characters, or I want to see recast classic characters.  I'm already seeing people mention the classics, and I'm sorry, but it's like Trek...  Shatner & Co. are too old, at this point.  Likewise, I feel the classic cast are a bit too old for a compelling film in Star Wars.  You could go witha  much older Luke (not that Hammil's ancient, but he's not a young man by a longshot).  I couldn't handle Carrie Fisher as anything but a sex symbol at this point too... 

It's not a slight from me on them as people.  By all accounts, I hear nothing but good things about Hammil, Fisher, Ford (seems like a good guy to me regardless of his distancing himself from the franchise), and Billy Dee Williams was downright charming when I met him.  All great people.  But I don't want to see them anymore than I want to see Shatner and Nemoy trying to make another go of that franchise.

I'm in the recast or new characters camp...

And definitely NOT into a redo of the original films...  People seem to be running rampant with that idea, for reasons I can't explain, around the web.  I've seen nothing to indicate that is even being considered at this point, but if it is I hope they kill that idea NOW.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jayson on October 30, 2012, 11:17 PM
Does anyone else think that the EU post-ROTJ is about to get really messy?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scott on October 30, 2012, 11:22 PM
I just keep going back to Spock in the the last Star Trek...while as a story it worked...to me they put Nimoy in there just to put him in there and not have Trek rage.

Luke as Obi Wan is about I'll concede as plausible

And for Jayson...I can't wait for EUrmaggedon.  Much like CW kills something every week this will get funny stupid in outrage.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Darby on October 30, 2012, 11:24 PM
There's no value in the post ROTJ films honoring the EU... it's too messy and convoluted for a general audience and Lucas has never abided comics/books so why start now? My gut tells me the next trilogy will be set 20-30 years after ROTJ and will be about as disconnected from the original as the PT was - with the exception I think of your ageless characters like the droids. C-3P0 and R2 will be on hand no doubt. I do think Luke makes a lot of sense, even if Hamill is old. I would love to see him and Luke one last time.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 11:26 PM
Does anyone else think that the EU post-ROTJ is about to get really messy?

Absolutely.  I feel (and fear) they'll just disevow all of it, and that annoys me.

Not all of it needs acknowledged, but they should at least make a vague attempt to keep it from getting totally knocked off the radar.

20-30 years would be ok, but evne further might be better IMO.  Old Luke is about all I could handle, as well.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: McMetal on October 30, 2012, 11:27 PM
I like the idea of a post ROTJ re-boot with all new characters, maybe Luke as the elder Headmaster of the New Jedi Academy. Not set directly afterwards, but maybe 30-40 years in the future. I'd like to see them stay away from the Thrawn/Xizor/Vong stuff and go someplace new.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scott on October 30, 2012, 11:29 PM
One other thing on Trek...almost everything about the new Trek was awesome and I went into it with no anticipation or expectations.  Much like Rob said no risk high reward...

People are worried that this is going to be more suck but the right team (Spielberg, Whedon, hell even Abrams) can right the ship just like the Trek franchise did
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 11:32 PM
I'm mostly worried about losing the Thrawn Trilogy...  It was almost perfection, and only a recast could possibly think about going to it as a movie (not that they will).  ******** on the stuff YOU sanctioned to make money off of, is BS on Lucas' part and insulting to the authors you hired.

I hate a lot of it even, but I just think you try to NOT dump all over it for the sake of the fans who actually do like it.  I dislike a lot of the NJO, but I don't want it all just wiped away like it never happened because someone decided to do more movies.

The Trek reboot, like you mention, is something I keep going back to mentally because it makes me feel warmer about this whole thing I guess.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jayson on October 30, 2012, 11:36 PM
One trope I hope they avoid is time travel. It may work with Star Trek (to varying degrees of success) but I just see it having no place in a SW film.

I'm mostly worried about losing the Thrawn Trilogy...  It was almost perfection, and only a recast could possibly think about going to it as a movie (not that they will).  ******** on the stuff YOU sanctioned to make money off of, is BS on Lucas' part and insulting to the authors you hired.

Exactly. Too bad the technology we have now didn't exist 20 years ago as I would have loved a Thrawn Trilogy.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 30, 2012, 11:51 PM
Nobody's even mentioned the re-releases in 3-D yet.   :-X

Brian did... 

So, I would guess that we'll see the entire OT released in 3D in 2014 then?

That makes sense to me.  AOTC/ROTS in 2013, 3D-OT films in 2014 (maybe Christmastime to compete with Hobbit?), then Episode 7 in 2015.  Works for me.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 30, 2012, 11:55 PM
Whoops, sorry Brian that I msised your post...  I was trying to catch up a little too fast I guess (4 pages was a lot to get through for me today, hehe).

Amazing what a big shakeup like this can mean for just general new blood in a hobby that's seen a steady decline.  Pretty fun/interesting to watch.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 31, 2012, 12:39 AM
It's crazy watching twitter/facebook/internet just blowing up.  For some it's the END of Star Wars, for others it's a chance at a fresh start at new movies.

I think the thing that I am most excited about is the chance to share the "OMG IT'S NEW STAR WARS" adventure with my boys.  The boys have seen 1, 2, 4, 5, 6.  Next Fall, they'll be 7, so I'll probably let them go see ROTS-3D in the theater.  Then they get the OT 3D flicks in theaters at age 8, followed by age nine (the same age I was for ROTJ) for Episode 7.  Kellan will be 5 in Summer 2015, so I may even be able to drag him along (depending on the subject/rating of the film of course :P).
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scott on October 31, 2012, 12:44 AM
Agreed Jeff...My boys are super psyched for the Hobbit trilogy but I was telling them that this lead up is nothing like when the SW movies came out.  I am thrilled to get to share that with them.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: efranks on October 31, 2012, 01:12 AM
I think I'm in the same camp with Jesse, I'm not really excited about all of this and right now I'm leaning towards not really liking it.

I agree that we'll probably get all three of the OT movies in 3D in 2014, it would be the perfect lead for a new film in 2015 just like the SE version in 1997 were for the 1999 release of TPM. 

I think that when it comes to sequels, I'd like to see Hamill come back as Luke in the Obi-Wan role, mentor, wise sage that helps set things in motion.  But I don't really need Fisher or Ford unless they wanted to skip far enough ahead that the films could be about the Solo kids and Ben...which I'd be more than happy to watch.

I think the EU, as we know it, is gone.  I could see them keeping some of the characters but use them in new roles in the films.  I think the 6 Saga Films and probably the Clone Wars will be kept as continuity, since George had his hands directly on them, but the books, comics, etc?  Gone. 

I know a lot of people are attached to the EU, but I don't necessarily have a problem with it being wiped out.  In general, the audience for new movies will be far greater than the audience for all the EU stuff.  Losing the Thrawn trilogy would kind of suck, and I enjoyed Legacy, but I stopped reading the novels a long time ago because I didn't care for a lot of it....except the Republic Commando series, and that's already been wiped out.

Haven't been around the net much since the announcement, just looked up the factual press release stuff, but my Twitter account blew up like it never has before and I can just imagine what's going down on some of the otheR Sites right now...plus all the non-collecting fan blogs.  I'm sure it's an equal mix of hope and "that mouse's dick is small but my ass still hurts."

I mentioned this over on the PSWCS list, but some of my concern is more selfish; I'm wondering if this new ownership will have any impact on fansites, fan clubs and groups like the 501st?  I'm wondering if we'll be able to continue our medallions for charity or if I can do another giveaway at the next Celebration without being arrested.  Should I expect a C&D?  I don't know.

   E...
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 31, 2012, 01:32 AM
Adywan, the guy doing the amazing fan edits of the OT, is in panic mode already...  He's definitely assuming his edits will be shut down since the Mouse is a far bigger prick than LFL could be.

That'll suck because I liked his stuff.  It was better than LFL was doing anyway.

I'm just indifferent, definitely not leaning towards the negative...  if I had a lean it's towards the positive because Scott and Rob (thanks, dickheads) are rubbing off on me with their positivity. :)  I liked Rob's idea that, how can it get worse?  The OT's still good, and that can't get taken away ultimately.  It is what I remember it to be.  And I really don't mind the PT, I just grow tired of 1 and 2 at this point, and that's partly Spike's fault for not running the better movies more often.  Why, I'll never know.

And I like toys...  I just hope they're toys I'll like because I'm over the whole overpaying for anything remotely sucky.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Hemish on October 31, 2012, 01:52 AM
Bring it on, the Marvel guys thought the world was going to blow up when Disney jumped on board and since then the brand has gone from strength to strength

I think the same will happen here, I will always love my original trilogy, I can put up with the prequels and the clone wars animated show is great.
I don't need to see Harrison or Fisher in a new movie but seeing Hamill as the Jedi Master is something I have always wanted to see on the big screen.
There are so many possibilities that it's making me dizzy just thinking about it, as for killing EU it could be a whole new range of stories, that galaxy that is far far away that we all love is pretty dam big so the next trilogy could be about anything.

Me personally I'm just stoked about new starwars at the movies, xwings have been away from the screen for far too long :)

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: jadesfire on October 31, 2012, 07:28 AM
Woke up and still as excited as I was last night!!! Can't wait to introduce my grand daughter to this new phase. So glad I haven't lost the kid inside of me!!! As previously said.....Bring it on Disney!!!!!
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on October 31, 2012, 07:58 AM
Bring it on, the Marvel guys thought the world was going to blow up when Disney jumped on board and since then the brand has gone from strength to strength

I think the same will happen here, I will always love my original trilogy, I can put up with the prequels and the clone wars animated show is great.
I don't need to see Harrison or Fisher in a new movie but seeing Hamill as the Jedi Master is something I have always wanted to see on the big screen.
There are so many possibilities that it's making me dizzy just thinking about it, as for killing EU it could be a whole new range of stories, that galaxy that is far far away that we all love is pretty dam big so the next trilogy could be about anything.

Me personally I'm just stoked about new starwars at the movies, xwings have been away from the screen for far too long :)

Well said.  If this had happened five years ago, I'd be down on it, but they have handled the Marvel property brilliantly (even the fanboyest of fanboys has to admit that) and hopefully they can do that for SW.

One thing I am shocked no one has mentioned...  Does this mean we can FINALLY get HD versions of the unaltered OT?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: efranks on October 31, 2012, 09:25 AM
I wouldn't count on unaltered versions of the OT anytime soon.  In one of the articles about this whole thing was info on distribution rights.  Fox has all distro rights until 2020 and they have rights for ANH "in perpetuity."  So unless Disney and Fox reach some type of deal, it could be a long wait, or never, that we get to see any type of Saga release out of Disney.

   E...
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: bobafett14 on October 31, 2012, 09:28 AM
Overall I see this as a great venture, and a plus for SW overall.

1) Lucasfilm had a great vision and great ideas, but very slow execution.  Things like video games seemed to take forever to get made and with sub-par results.

As long as they keep the franchise moving in a more adult ROTS direction, and not a kid oriented EPI direction, we should be good..yes, this is a bit of a fear.

Everything else..TV shows, theme parks, merchandise, etc. all the misc. stuff I think is a huge plus.

My only fear is for the long term...Take a look at Disney today....Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm...that's a LOT of balls to juggle without dropping something along the way.  I just hope it doesn't become a small part in a much larger whole and get lost along the way.  As long as Lucasfilm down the road, isn;t sitting there saying "Hey remember us" we should be good.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Carpeteria3000 on October 31, 2012, 09:37 AM
You guys keep mentioning the Trek reboot as a good guideline, but I think a reboot would be a worst case scenario for me. I'm pretty certain that's NOT what their plan is as well, considering they're referring to the new movies as 7, 8, and 9, meaning following up the OT. I would imagine that also means it's going to follow a similar length of time between the PT and OT; otherwise, why refer to them as episodes 7-9? Why not just call them new SW movies?

I think we're almost definitely going to get a new storyline (not the Zahn trilogy, unfortunately) about 20-30 years post ROTJ with a new core cast that is balanced out with the OT actors. I don't think that's a bad thing, though it certainly could go there. I just don't see a reboot situation - calling that eps. 7-9 would make no sense at all.

I'm seeing almost all of my casual fan friends freaking out about this, calling this yet another instance of Lucas raping our childhoods, etc. I think it's a lot of once bitten, twice shy reactions, which I don't blame anyone for. I'm all for wait-and-see on this, obviously. It's pretty weird getting flashbacks to 1996-7 when I first heard about the PT getting made. We always heard another trilogy was supposed to happen, but I don't think I ever really believed it.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on October 31, 2012, 09:57 AM
I wouldn't count on unaltered versions of the OT anytime soon.  In one of the articles about this whole thing was info on distribution rights.  Fox has all distro rights until 2020 and they have rights for ANH "in perpetuity."  So unless Disney and Fox reach some type of deal, it could be a long wait, or never, that we get to see any type of Saga release out of Disney.

   E...
There is no way Disney would have made this purchase unless there were already some agreement worked out for home video releases.  Remember, none of the films leading up to and including the Avengers were distributed by Disney.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scott on October 31, 2012, 10:21 AM
You guys keep mentioning the Trek reboot as a good guideline, but I think a reboot would be a worst case scenario for me. I'm pretty certain that's NOT what their plan is as well, considering they're referring to the new movies as 7, 8, and 9, meaning following up the OT. I would imagine that also means it's going to follow a similar length of time between the PT and OT; otherwise, why refer to them as episodes 7-9? Why not just call them new SW movies?

I'm more looking at it from the fresh set of ideas and eyes standpoint not necessarily a reboot with new Luke, Leia and Han. Same galaxy, same premises, same technology but different and hopefully cooler like the Trek movie was.  I loved the updated Enterprise, I loved the new cast etc...it was familiar and yet completely different than the Shatner/Nimoy era stuff. 

  Again, we don't know anything on timeline.  I've read (I think at E!) this morning that it is definitely not anything to do with any of the existing EU (Thrawn, NJO etc). 

I think I am more excited today than I was last night, again I think as Jeff pointed out, I get to share this trip with my boys this time.  Wild and crazy idea but I never really asked my dad if he liked the OT as much as I did...he brought me to all three.  Maybe, just maybe, the whole making this for kids angle Lucas has said all along has a little sliver of truth and the years of Fanboy rage was due to the fact that we all we adults rather than kids.  Now a lot of us have our own kids to share the next segment with and I think it will make it that much more meaningful.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Diddly on October 31, 2012, 10:41 AM
I think my biggest concern for this (in addition to the whole "fool me once" mentality) is that it feels like it's just Disney going along with the current Hollywood trend of reboots and remakes. Movies with original stories bomb, so let's remake and reboot stuff that was really good and made a lot of money 20-30 years ago!

I've devoted a huge chunk of my life to this franchise and I guess I'm just scared it's going to become a flash in the pan for the sake of Disney being able to make a movie.

Also I heard on the radio today that it would only be 2 years in between movies? That'd be cool.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 31, 2012, 10:46 AM
Again, we don't know anything on timeline.  I've read (I think at E!) this morning that it is definitely not anything to do with any of the existing EU (Thrawn, NJO etc). 

Yeah, most of the stuff I've read make it sounds like George has been working on 7/8/9 story treatments. Here was a quote from Sansweet at the SW.com blog:

"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."

I won't be surprised if they pull planets/characters/themes from the EU (like they used the name "Coruscant" in RotS), but most of the press out there right now area saying it's 7/8/9 from the mind of Lucas and not existing EU.

Like you guys have said earlier in the thread, I look forward to the masisve rants from crazies who've had their favorite book/series steamrolled by the new post-ROTJ canon that is coming.  Maybe Chewbacca will actually get to live this time...  (http://jedidefender.com/jsmentek/crossfingers.gif) :P
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Paul on October 31, 2012, 11:02 AM
I will have a longer response when I get to a full size keyboard, but has anybody thought about Disney's animation arm getting on this for at least one of the movies after 7/8/9?   The actors don't age or get arrested.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 31, 2012, 11:16 AM
Yeah, most of the stuff I've read make it sounds like George has been working on 7/8/9 story treatments. Here was a quote from Sansweet at the SW.com blog:

"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."

This is weird to me, because I thought I'd read more than once that Lucas always had ideas for 7,8,9 - that he'd had them all the way back when he was writing the OT.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: bobafett14 on October 31, 2012, 11:44 AM
I think I'm in the same camp with Jesse, I'm not really excited about all of this and right now I'm leaning towards not really liking it.

I agree that we'll probably get all three of the OT movies in 3D in 2014, it would be the perfect lead for a new film in 2015 just like the SE version in 1997 were for the 1999 release of TPM. 

I think that when it comes to sequels, I'd like to see Hamill come back as Luke in the Obi-Wan role, mentor, wise sage that helps set things in motion.  But I don't really need Fisher or Ford unless they wanted to skip far enough ahead that the films could be about the Solo kids and Ben...which I'd be more than happy to watch.

I think the EU, as we know it, is gone.  I could see them keeping some of the characters but use them in new roles in the films.  I think the 6 Saga Films and probably the Clone Wars will be kept as continuity, since George had his hands directly on them, but the books, comics, etc?  Gone. 

I know a lot of people are attached to the EU, but I don't necessarily have a problem with it being wiped out.  In general, the audience for new movies will be far greater than the audience for all the EU stuff.  Losing the Thrawn trilogy would kind of suck, and I enjoyed Legacy, but I stopped reading the novels a long time ago because I didn't care for a lot of it....except the Republic Commando series, and that's already been wiped out.

Haven't been around the net much since the announcement, just looked up the factual press release stuff, but my Twitter account blew up like it never has before and I can just imagine what's going down on some of the otheR Sites right now...plus all the non-collecting fan blogs.  I'm sure it's an equal mix of hope and "that mouse's dick is small but my ass still hurts."

I mentioned this over on the PSWCS list, but some of my concern is more selfish; I'm wondering if this new ownership will have any impact on fansites, fan clubs and groups like the 501st?  I'm wondering if we'll be able to continue our medallions for charity or if I can do another giveaway at the next Celebration without being arrested.  Should I expect a C&D?  I don't know.

   E...

Don't let him fool you guys..he's excited as can be and can't wait to get a Princess Leia outfit for that stuffed Minnie Mouse he sleeps with every night.

Bob
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: bobafett14 on October 31, 2012, 11:52 AM
One additional note on the timeline of the 3D films...It makes me wonder if when they announced AOTC and ROTS being released back to back, and ramped up the schedule a bit if they didn't know this was coming and very close to sealing the deal at that time.  Now makes sense they would want to release ROTJ 3D right before they release EP7 in 2015.  Looking back they probably knew this to be true, and I'm sure it took forever for all the paperwork and red tape to be cleared...it all makes perfect sense now. (Could you imagine the 3 ring binders and team of lawyers at THAT meeting?)

Also makes sense whey we haven't heard many major announcements as to future projects over the last few years.  Info on the TV show has been a black hole for a while now.  Usually anything SW leaks out way ahead of schedule...they did a pretty good job of keeping this one close to the chest.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on October 31, 2012, 11:55 AM
This is weird to me, because I thought I'd read more than once that Lucas always had ideas for 7,8,9 - that he'd had them all the way back when he was writing the OT.

Yeah, depending on the era, it was anywhere from 6-12 movies.  In hte early years, it was 9-12, but it was after Jedi and during the prequel era that he started denying 7-9 plans ever existed and giving all these inteviews about how he always intended for 6 movies focused on Anakin's story.  Now suddenly, I guess we're supposed to believe that he found his old notebooks and has been taking those old story elements and ideas and crafting them into real story treatments.

StarWars.com has a nice recap - The Long, Winding, and Shapeshifting Trail to Episodes VII, VIII & IX (http://starwarsblog.starwars.com/index.php/2012/10/30/the-long-winding-and-shapeshifting-trail-to-episodes-vii-viii-ix/)

Quote
In 1978, a Time magazine article reported that the Star Wars Corporation (a subsidiary Lucas had formed for Star Wars) would be producing “Star Wars II [Empire], and then, count them, 10 other planned sequels.” At that time Lucas consistently mentioned 12 films and even created a barebones outline to that effect.In it, the original trilogy occupied Episodes VI, VII, and VIII; a Clone Wars trilogy took up Episodes II, III, and IV, while Episode I was a “prelude,” Episodes IX through XI were simply left blank – and Episode XII was the “conclusion.”

In 1979, however, Lucas said in an interview on the set of Empire, “The first script was one of six original stories I had written in the form of two trilogies. After the success of Star Wars, I added another trilogy. So now there are nine stories. The original two trilogies were conceived of as six films of which the first film was number four.”

While in postproduction in early 1980, Lucas used to kick back from time to time with ILM manager Jim Bloom and muse about the bigger story. “The first trilogy is about the young Ben Kenobi and the early life of Luke’s father when Luke is a little boy,” Lucas said. “This trilogy takes place some 20 years before the second trilogy, which includes Star Wars and Empire. About a year or two passes between each story of the trilogy and about 20 years between the trilogies. The entire saga spans about 55 years. I’m still left with three trilogies of nine films. At two hours each, that’s about eighteen hours of film!”

While Empire was originally part of a 12-film plan, by the time it was released, the number had clearly been reduced to nine. “The prequel stories exist – where Darth Vader came from, the whole story about Darth and Ben Kenobi – and it all takes place before Luke was born,” Lucas explained at the time. “The other one – what happens to Luke afterward – is much more ethereal. I have a tiny notebook full of notes on that. If I’m really ambitious, I could proceed to figure out what would have happened to Luke.”

Lucas mentioned these notebooks – or one big book – to me, a few years ago. I asked if I could see it, but he declined. My feeling is that this big book or these notebooks are private, though Lucas has occasionally sent me via an assistant miscellaneous handwritten notes from the period 1976-1983 to help in the writing of the making-of books.

But two years later while filming Jedi, for many reasons, Lucas was burning out, tired of the whole enterprise: “I’m only doing this because I started it and now I have to finish it,” he adds. “The next trilogy will be all someone else’s vision.”

As of today, Lucas has given his new co-chairman Kathleen Kennedy several ideas and is really going into semi-retirement. Now, in a relatively short time, compared to the decades of speculation, fans will learn the secrets of Episodes VII, VIII & IX. Star Wars has risen again!
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Brian on October 31, 2012, 12:02 PM
I started listening to the SWAN podcast discussing all this, and one of their contributors sat in on the conference call with Disney announcing all of this yesterday.  Apparently, this has been "in the works" (meaning Disney buying Lucasfilm) for over a year now, so they really have done a nice job keeping things secret.

I have to say, not that I wasn't still reading/collecting/coming to the forums, but this news has reinvigorated my SW fandom.  I was still loving the collecting - and the movies - but just having new movies to look forward to is really cool.  It might be great, or it might be horrible, but at least it will be fun to talk about.  Like Jeff/Scott/others have mentioned, having kids makes it all the more exciting.  We have a daughter, but she's always been way into SW as well, and it will be fun to go through these years of anticipation and experience the new movies together.  I'm in the same boat as many here where I vastly prefer the OT, but I still remember what a fun time it was in the waits between the prequel movies - analyzing each little spy pic, leaked detail, etc. in the forums and trying to figure out what was coming next.

This will be so much different as we actually knew the end game for the PT, now it could be anything.  I'm fine with them creating something new and not going off of previously written EU stuff.  The Zahn trilogy aside, I could take or leave most of it, and haven't actually read a whole lot of it either.  I respect those that really have an attachment to it, and understand why it might upset some if it gets "overwritten" like the CW has done - but really, the EU is so huge at this point, it really is impossible to not step on toes there.

I noticed on Mark Hamill's twitter that he posted a congratulations to George for the deal, and said he can't comment on Episode 7 until he gets all the facts.  I wonder if they've had at least initial "hey, would you be interested?" discussions with him, or perhaps he is just playing it safe just in case.  Either way, and exciting time for Star Wars, and I think that we needed it in some ways.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 31, 2012, 12:36 PM
Is this going to mean Star Wars movies without the 20th Century Fox intro?

As a kid, I associated that intro with Star Wars more than Fox.


(Thanks for the link Jeff, interesting stuff)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: iFett on October 31, 2012, 12:58 PM
Same ^
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: EdSolo on October 31, 2012, 01:02 PM
I think there was a story out there that at one point that the Luke/Emperor confrontation wasn't supposed to happen in ROTJ, but sometime in the sequel trilogy.

As for Ford, Hamill, and Fisher:  I had always hoped that when the first rumbling of a "new" Star Wars trilogy started in the 90's, that they would do the sequel trilogy so they could use the original actors.  I felt the could do the prequels at any point since the nature of those movies would require new actors anyways.  After the PT was completed and Lucas denied ever wanting to make nine (or twelve) movies and Ford saying he would never play Han Solo again, I really wondered if we would see a sequel trilogy while Lucas was still living.  My thoughts are going to be controversial to many fans.  First, the simple truth is that the EU post ROTJ will have to be nuked.  While the Thrawn trilogy is a great set of books, I'm not sure how it would translate to the big screen.  If Lucas were ever to make VII thru IX, he never would have gone with an existing story.  I want something knew so I can go in not knowing the ending.  Additionally, one of your main villains in the Thrawn books is a crazy clone of a Jedi who doesn't even use a lightsaber.  You need the good versus evil lightsaber battles in a SW movie, and there isn't much of that in Thrawn.  I really think you need a Sith as a villain in a new trilogy.  It may trample on Anakin's redemption and sacrifice, but that has already been done in the EU.  As for the actors, I personally don't want to see anyone but Ford playing Han Solo.  Ford doesn't want to do it, and if Lucas was running the show, I bet Lucas could have gotten Ford to make a cameo.  I don't know if Fisher would really be up for three more movies or if we would want her to.  I think Hamill is the best bet for a tie to the OT and as many have mentioned, I think he could work in an OT Kenobi-like role.  I think the best way to move forward would be to kill off Han and Leia.  I know it sounds crazy, but you may actually be able to get Ford and Fisher to make cameos in the beginning of Episode VII and their deaths could be the driving force for the story line of the sequel trilogy.  It would give Luke a character building arc as well.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: P-Siddy on October 31, 2012, 01:16 PM
What if Lucas has set up the next Trilogy by bring back Darth Maul in CW?  :P
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Carpeteria3000 on October 31, 2012, 01:36 PM
Is this going to mean Star Wars movies without the 20th Century Fox intro?

As a kid, I associated that intro with Star Wars more than Fox.


(Thanks for the link Jeff, interesting stuff)

Yes, absolutely me too. I still think of the Fox theme as the prelude to the SW theme, and I've always associated the spotlights with lightsabers. If they don't have that at the top, it will be REALLY weird. But I guess that's not going to happen, will it?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: bobafett14 on October 31, 2012, 01:45 PM
I started listening to the SWAN podcast discussing all this, and one of their contributors sat in on the conference call with Disney announcing all of this yesterday.  Apparently, this has been "in the works" (meaning Disney buying Lucasfilm) for over a year now, so they really have done a nice job keeping things secret.

I have to say, not that I wasn't still reading/collecting/coming to the forums, but this news has reinvigorated my SW fandom.  I was still loving the collecting - and the movies - but just having new movies to look forward to is really cool.  It might be great, or it might be horrible, but at least it will be fun to talk about.  Like Jeff/Scott/others have mentioned, having kids makes it all the more exciting.  We have a daughter, but she's always been way into SW as well, and it will be fun to go through these years of anticipation and experience the new movies together.  I'm in the same boat as many here where I vastly prefer the OT, but I still remember what a fun time it was in the waits between the prequel movies - analyzing each little spy pic, leaked detail, etc. in the forums and trying to figure out what was coming next.

This will be so much different as we actually knew the end game for the PT, now it could be anything.  I'm fine with them creating something new and not going off of previously written EU stuff.  The Zahn trilogy aside, I could take or leave most of it, and haven't actually read a whole lot of it either.  I respect those that really have an attachment to it, and understand why it might upset some if it gets "overwritten" like the CW has done - but really, the EU is so huge at this point, it really is impossible to not step on toes there.

I noticed on Mark Hamill's twitter that he posted a congratulations to George for the deal, and said he can't comment on Episode 7 until he gets all the facts.  I wonder if they've had at least initial "hey, would you be interested?" discussions with him, or perhaps he is just playing it safe just in case.  Either way, and exciting time for Star Wars, and I think that we needed it in some ways.

You mentioned about having kids.  when I came home I had fun with it all... I told the kids (3 1/2 and 5) that I had an announcement for after dinner.  So I told them there was going to be a new SW movie, and had fun with it, got them all excited.  They both jumped around, cheered, and yelled "That's awesome!"  So, now they are all excited. So when we're going to bed te 5 year old says to me...can we go see it the fist day it comes out?  I think I had a tear in my eye.

A true fan.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 31, 2012, 01:56 PM
Yes, absolutely me too. I still think of the Fox theme as the prelude to the SW theme, and I've always associated the spotlights with lightsabers. If they don't have that at the top, it will be REALLY weird. But I guess that's not going to happen, will it?

I guess it depends... I think Fox's involvement has mostly been in distribution.  Disney could still use them for that I guess... I have no idea if they would need or want to though.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Dave on October 31, 2012, 02:02 PM
I just hope they stay away from Spielberg and any of Lucas' buddies.  I've not been impressed with Spielberg's recent work and would love to see them go with someone capable of challenging GL's opinions.

I agree with a previous post that Lucas' "yes men" have not been helpful.  Saw "Red Tails" the other day and thought it was on the bad side of below average.

EW.com had a great potential list:
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Mister Skeezler on October 31, 2012, 02:11 PM
I'm going to just be excited about this, since I'm expecting more than what we got in the Prequels.

But if they bring the ******* Yuzhan Vong into this, I will choke Lucas.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 31, 2012, 02:42 PM
Abrams has, in the past, expressed EXTREME interest in doing a SW film if the opportunity were there.

Everyone bringing up kids...  I mentioned it to Diane's and they are older, but it'll be something we can experience together regardless.  It's an interesting thing I didn't have going on in 1999 or 2002.  We did check out ROTS together and now it'll be like having more friends than kids with me, which is a whole different dynamic in a way.  Just weird.

And when I mention the ST reboot, I mention it in part in fear of a reboot of the original films, but also because like Scott mentioned, the ST reboot was a fresh look at a classic series.  I'm a fan, and I liked it, so I'd like a similarly fresh look at Star Wars.  Someone able to see the greatness of Star Wars and ADD to it, not detract from it.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on October 31, 2012, 04:19 PM
In addition to Jeff's link... from 2004, but suddenly relevant:

Mark Hamill talks Star Wars 7, 8 and 9! (http://www.movieweb.com/news/mark-hamill-talks-star-wars-7-8-and-9)

Quote
Star Wars 7, 8 and 9: During 20th Century Fox's recent unveiling of the , Mark Hamill stopped in to talk about the set with the press. During his rant he briefly talked to the crowd about George Lucas and his original plan to create 4 trilogies of Star Wars films. Here's a clip...

“He talked about doing a VII, VIII, IX,” Hamill began. “You know when I first did this, it was four trilogies. 12 movies! And out on the desert, any time between setups… lots of free time. And George was talking about this whole thing. I said, ‘Why are you starting with IV, V and VI? It’s crazy.’ [Imitating Lucas grumble,] ‘It’s the most commercial section of the movie.’ He said the first trilogy’s darker, more serious. And the impression I got, he said, ‘Um, how’d you like to be in Episode IX?’ This is 1976. ‘When is that going to be?’ ‘2011.’ I defy anyone to add 36 years to their lives and not be stunned. Even an eight year old is like, ‘No, I’ll never be 47.’ So I did the math and figured out how old I’d be. I said, ‘Well, what do you want me to do?’ He said, ‘You’ll just be like a cameo. You’ll be like Obi Wan handing the lightsaber down to the next new hope.’ And I’m thinking, ‘I love the guy. If he wanted me to do light yard work at his house, I’d be out clipping the hedges.’ So I went, ‘Sure.’ But I thought he just realized that he’s going to be doing it the rest of his life and he’d rather not do that.”

When the prospect of a TV series was brought up, Hamill went into outright denial. “See, the thing is, on one hand, the way I look at it is there was a beginning, a middle and an end and it’s over. Even though it’s never over. But for me it’s over. But what’ll happen is these fans will come over, ‘But you just became a Jedi. Now what happens? It’s like doing the story of how 007 got his license to kill and then not telling any stories.’ So I said, ‘I wish my agent had this much passion.’ They really want me to do these stories. I loved it all, I really did, but I never in my mind ever thought it would be something I’d be talking about this long.”
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 31, 2012, 06:54 PM
So Luke as the wise man seems, at least somewhat likely at this point?  I think one could make that guess safely.

I like the idea...  I just hope they've offed everyone else, to some degree.  :-\  Old age, natural progression, nature taking its course stuff...  No planets flattening an unstoppable might, or anything completely dickheaded like that.  :-X
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 31, 2012, 07:04 PM
BTW some images already leaked as Disney's been working on a new series of edits to the original trilogy.  Here's a pic that came out from A New Hope...










(http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/8696/reg10242memels103112.jpg)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: JediJman on October 31, 2012, 10:24 PM
LOL!  Nice. 
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Greg on October 31, 2012, 11:02 PM
Awesome pic JJ!

As for the big news, after being slightly skeptical yesterday I've become very excited. Maybe since I grew up with and enjoyed the prequels I don't feel like I have been "fooled" or "duped", and because of that I am receptive of the idea of more Star Wars movies... I'm also stoked to see what other talent (directors, writers, producers, etc.) has to offer the franchise, and of course the awesome toys that will result. If Disney does a half as good job as they have done with Marvel, I'll be pleased.   
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on October 31, 2012, 11:22 PM
Not mine, it was going 'round Twitter some and elsewhere, so I scarfed it. :)  I'm no PS expert.  Pretty creative I thought, though.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on November 1, 2012, 11:47 AM
Lots of these going around...

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Epr7gH4ZM/UJF6IKgVyrI/AAAAAAAA-YI/hzcgf_OyE7A/s1600/emperor+mickey.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/45JiW.jpg)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Pete_Fett on November 1, 2012, 01:58 PM
I have to think that at least the story outline for Episode 7 has to exist in good enough form that they now have a writing team working on a script. Otherwise, how would a 2015 release date even be possible?

Overall, I'm excited about the news. I'm okay with them bringing back anyone who wants to come back as long as they're there serve the story. I would hate to see scenes created just for a character - like Ackbar popping up just to say "Is it a trap?" or similar.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Darby on November 1, 2012, 02:09 PM
That's my thought as well as far as the script. They will have to some ways along in casting/director/script to even consider 2015. If the special effects are as massive as the PT or more, shooting can occur no later than early 2014. I doubt a year post production would suffice, but then a lot is unknown about the film. There was an interview with Mark Hamill yesterday where he said he and Carrie Fisher had met with Lucas this summer. He didn't specifically say anything about the ST but one can start to imagine that Lucas has been lining up his ducks.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: JediJman on November 1, 2012, 02:25 PM
That shouldn't be surprising.  I'm sure this deal has been in the works for the better part of a year at least, so it's highly likely that either Lucas or Disney or some combination of the two has been working up some basic storylines.  It will be very interesting to see this all unfold.

Personally, I have no issues with Luke, Leia, Han, Ackbar, whoever coming back for these episodes.  I don't want the movies centered around them, but I don't see any problem with cameos or even smaller parts that pave the transition for new characters.  I think it would be odd to have a movie set in the relative proximity of Jedi (next 15-30 years) that does not touch on the core characters from the OT.  And I would much rather see the characters in person rathern than someone conveniently mentioning "Oh, Luke, Leia, and Han were all killed by a random power coupling failure."  See the latest Bourne film for reference on how awful that comes across.

Given what we know about Lucas and the first six movies, I think there's almost zero chance that these movies do not focus on some lineage of Skywalkers.  It would seem incredibly awkward to me that we see the development, fall, and redemption of Anakin, then focus on completely new characters that have nothing to do with Luke or Leia for the next three movies.  There's actually a lot of fertile EU ground with the Solo kids if they wanted to go that route.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on November 1, 2012, 03:29 PM
I just hope the conflict is big and scary... the prequels sucked to me largely because there wasn't a big problem... trade federations and blockades and clones in a random desert.. it didn't start getting good to me until the second half of the third movie.

There was never the sense that the enemy was big, and impossible to defeat... not like the originals with the Empire, the Death Star...
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jayson on November 1, 2012, 03:40 PM
I'm optimistic for this new trilogy due to the fact that it won't be limited in the story and scope it can tell by having to fit within a certain timeline as the prequel could only lead up to the events of ANH. The possibilities are amazing for what the new post-ROTJ trilogy can bring.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Mister Skeezler on November 1, 2012, 04:14 PM
I'm just wondering if the conflict is going to come from within (i.e. Sith plot) or without (i.e. invasion by some new enemy).
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Dave on November 1, 2012, 05:18 PM
If Hamill and Fisher are in the new movies I hope they get digitally re-touched.  They haven't aged well and might scare the kids  ;)

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/File_Carrie_Fisher_at_WonderCon_2009_4.jpg/220px-File_Carrie_Fisher_at_WonderCon_2009_4.jpg) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Mark_Hamill_2010.jpg/220px-Mark_Hamill_2010.jpg)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Matt_Fury on November 1, 2012, 07:46 PM
I hope that they go at least a generation into the future.  It's a great opportunity to start fresh and tell a great story in this universe.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: evenflow on November 1, 2012, 08:08 PM
Well I'm mixed on the whole thing. Eager to hear more though.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on November 1, 2012, 11:08 PM
That shouldn't be surprising.  I'm sure this deal has been in the works for the better part of a year at least

Yep - I read yesterday that they've been working on this deal for a year and a half.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Ben on November 2, 2012, 12:41 AM
I've been thinking about this for a couple of days before joining the discussion. At first, I didn't like the news. I knew eventually that there would be new Star Wars movies, but I thought they wouldn't happen until I was in my forties. (I'm 31 now.) Then I thought about Disney owning Marvel, and how it seems that Marvel has benefited greatly from that association, and then thinking how great sequels could be since they wouldn't be constrained by having to fit into what came before, and having more than enough money to make it happen. The ST could either be the biggest thing to happen to cinema since the advent of recorded sound, or it could be what it was the last time.

Now I'm just wondering- do they recast Han, Leia, and Luke and start near the end of ROTJ, or go further and have nothing to do with those characters? It's not impossible to recast them; if Kirk and Spock could be recast than so could OT characters, but I'd hate to see Star Wars get lumped into that reboot camp by anyone.

I have to guess that the only people overjoyed by this news run the Star Wars brands at Hasbro and the other licensees.

Edit: another thought going off of the 20th Century Fox fanfare. I doubt John Williams would score the next trilogy, since he's got to be 80ish by now.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Nicklab on November 2, 2012, 02:01 AM
It's interesting news, to say the least.  I haven't been able to fully take in the news since Hurricane Sandy screwed up my internet connection on Monday night.

Part of me is frankly, a bit sad.  George Lucas was the source of this universe that we've all grown to know and love.  He put out three great films in the form of the OT, and was much beloved for doing so.  Episodes 4 - 6 are indellibly etched in the memories of a generation of fans, many of whom were kids when they saw those movies.  And that childhood nostalgia has carried Star Wars on for the past 35 years.

When word came out that a Prequel Trilogy was in the works, there was much rejoicing.  But with the release of Episode I came monumental second guessing of George's vision.  I blame the internet and discussion forums, frankly.  Because all of a sudden everyone thought that a fairly extensive home video collection and an internet connection made them a qualified film critic / director / screenwriter.  The writing was certainly on the wall after this January, 2012 NY Times article (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/magazine/george-lucas-red-tails.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto).  And I think that all of that fanboy rage  made it easy for George to relent, and sell Lucasfilm, thereby walking away from the haters. 

As for the future?  We'll see.  Hearing that GL is involved as a creative consultant is somewhat reassuring.  But it will also be interesting to see what a new generation of filmmakers might bring to a new trilogy.  The list of directors who might take on the new trilogy is sure to be a great topic unto itself.

Where does the story go?  A shift in generations does seem to be in order.  The principle actors from the OT are 30 years older than they were in ROTJ, after all.  Beyond that, Imy only expectation is that we'll see the droids.  They've been there through the whole saga, and it really would not be Star Wars if it weren't seen through the sensor eyes of C-3PO and R2-D2.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on November 2, 2012, 08:24 AM
Edit: another thought going off of the 20th Century Fox fanfare. I doubt John Williams would score the next trilogy, since he's got to be 80ish by now.
Ugh!  Perish the thought!  I can't imagine a SW movie without him scoring it.  Madness! 

On a seperate note... Just throwing this out there to spark some discussion...  With Hasbro producing toys for two of Disney's huge properties, do you think the Mouse House would ever look at buying a toy company to pull under their umbrella?  Who makes the Pixar toys now?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Scott on November 2, 2012, 09:04 AM
Mattel did all of the Toy Story and Cars toys
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: GrandMoffNick on November 2, 2012, 11:21 AM
I have been on the fence about this until last night when I was drying my five month old son off after a bath with his Clone Wars towel and thought how cool will it be to have "new" Star Wars movies, shows, toys, etc. being released when my son is old enough to get excited for it. So I'll deal with Disney's 8 million mediocre things they will make.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on November 2, 2012, 11:34 AM
With Hasbro producing toys for two of Disney's huge properties, do you think the Mouse House would ever look at buying a toy company to pull under their umbrella?  Who makes the Pixar toys now?

Historically, Disney has always split things between toy companies in sort of a "don't put all your eggs in one basket" type approach.  They've got Marvel (and now Star Wars) with Hasbro, they let newbie Zizzle pick up the PotC license; TRON went to Spin Masters; Pixar stuff is with Mattel; Pixar, Marvel, and Disney Princess stuff with LEGO; Diney Princess stuff with Fisher Price; some Disney games with Hasbro, etc.  Anything is possible though I suppose.  Back in 2009 there were a lot of rumors that Disney would rip Marvel out of Hasbro's hands and give it to Mattel and then buy Mattel, but that hasn't happened. 


On the topic of 'who's going to lose their license', I really think Hasbro is safe for now.  If the discussions between LFL and Disney have been going on for over a year and Hasbro only recently extended their license to 2020, I would think that meant they had to know about plans for 7-8-9 on some level at least.  If Disney was planning to rip Star Wars away from Hasbro, why allow LFL to extend the license?  Or do folks think that was that George tossing Hasbro one last bone before Disney stomps them? :P
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: P-Siddy on November 2, 2012, 12:32 PM
On the topic of 'who's going to lose their license', I really think Hasbro is safe for now.  If the discussions between LFL and Disney have been going on for over a year and Hasbro only recently extended their license to 2020, I would think that meant they had to know about plans for 7-8-9 on some level at least. 

You know, Jeff.  Didn't Hasbro say to expect something big next year at Toy Fair?  I doubt it'd be figures from a new movie, but maybe because of the Big Ds acquisition, they can do something they couldn't with LFL?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on November 2, 2012, 03:06 PM
With Hasbro producing toys for two of Disney's huge properties, do you think the Mouse House would ever look at buying a toy company to pull under their umbrella?  Who makes the Pixar toys now?

Historically, Disney has always split things between toy companies in sort of a "don't put all your eggs in one basket" type approach.  They've got Marvel (and now Star Wars) with Hasbro, they let newbie Zizzle pick up the PotC license; TRON went to Spin Masters; Pixar stuff is with Mattel; Pixar, Marvel, and Disney Princess stuff with LEGO; Diney Princess stuff with Fisher Price; some Disney games with Hasbro, etc.  Anything is possible though I suppose.  Back in 2009 there were a lot of rumors that Disney would rip Marvel out of Hasbro's hands and give it to Mattel and then buy Mattel, but that hasn't happened. 


On the topic of 'who's going to lose their license', I really think Hasbro is safe for now.  If the discussions between LFL and Disney have been going on for over a year and Hasbro only recently extended their license to 2020, I would think that meant they had to know about plans for 7-8-9 on some level at least.  If Disney was planning to rip Star Wars away from Hasbro, why allow LFL to extend the license?  Or do folks think that was that George tossing Hasbro one last bone before Disney stomps them? :P

In addition to all of this, Disney has to know there is a really large Star Wars collector base who will expect consistency - to not deliver that would potentially alienate a lot of people.  The key, which you pointed out, was that Hasbro was extended even during the negotiating.  No one would have done that if there was a real danger of Hasbro losing the license.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on November 2, 2012, 03:09 PM
Not sure if this has been posted yet?

George Lucas will donate billions from Disney deal (http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/11/02/george-lucas-will-donate-billions-from-disney-deal-most-generous-celebrity/)

Quote
People are still trying to work out whether Disney's $4 billion purchase of Lucasfilm was a good or bad idea for "Star Wars," but thanks to George Lucas it will certainly prove to have been a good thing for the world.
The legendary "Star Wars" creator has apparently decided to donate the vast majority of that money to charity.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Lucas plans to put the money into a foundation that focuses on educational issues, a cause close to his heart. A spokesperson said that “George Lucas has expressed his intention, in the event the deal closes, to donate the majority of the proceeds to his philanthropic endeavors.”

In a statement on Wednesday, Lucas himself commented: “For 41 years, the majority of my time and money has been put into the company. As I start a new chapter in my life, it is gratifying that I have the opportunity to devote more time and resources to philanthropy.”

This holds up with Lucas’ generous behavior over the last few years. In 2010 he signed The Giving Pledge, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s effort to get America’s wealthiest to donate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy. Around the same time, he declared that he would be “dedicating the majority of my wealth to improving education,” which he described as “the key to the survival of the human race.”

Love him or hate him, this is an amazingly wonderful thing he's doing.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: JediJman on November 2, 2012, 05:36 PM
Does this purchase in any way improve our odds of ever getting the Disney exclusive droid pieces?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Brian on November 2, 2012, 08:56 PM
Grain of salt and all that....but a few rumors on plot/directors of the sequel trilogy:

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=69597 (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/nailbiter111/news/?a=69597)

Some highlights from this report:

-Luke Skywalker is a key character

-so are other OT cast with Han, Leia, Chewie, and the droids all set to appear

-Hamill is already locked in

-Empire is not completely destroyed at the end of ROTJ

-Disney intends on "playing on the cultural significance of the Original Trilogy"
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on November 2, 2012, 11:05 PM
Does this purchase in any way improve our odds of ever getting the Disney exclusive droid pieces?

Yes, in the sense that now Disney will provide so many awesome Star Wars reasons to go to Orlando that you'll eventually end up there and can buy your pieces during that trip. :P
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Carpeteria3000 on November 4, 2012, 12:52 AM
Oh man, I didn't even think about the John Williams thing. I really hope he's willing and able to work on the new films... but that might not be possible. And that's no good.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jesse James on November 4, 2012, 11:31 AM
He was in Pittsburgh conducting last year and seemed ok, though he did reschedule his dates due to illness. :(
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Carpeteria3000 on November 4, 2012, 12:19 PM
Well, conducting already composed music is one thing - taking on the scores for three totally new movies is a whole other thing. I hope he can pull it off, but I don't know...
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Darby on November 4, 2012, 01:38 PM
I wouldn't expect him to do it, for all three films, anyhow. We were actually discussing this last night - there are other acceptable alternatives, like Michael Giacchino, Bear McCreary, Howard Shore and others.

We all also (Ben, Matt and I) discussed directors, and it seems to me if it's not Speilberg, the most obvious choice is Joe Johnston. He has a relationship with Disney, and obviously one with Lucas. It would be a natural fit.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Ben on November 4, 2012, 07:34 PM
Either Johnston or Spielberg would be my pick for 7, after that it's anyone's game. Neil Blomkamp (District 9) would be a great choice too, at least IMO.

The score is another thing. Michael Giacchino would be great, but since he's got Star Trek, somebody else should get a shot.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Nicklab on November 4, 2012, 11:41 PM
Spielberg would be my first choice.  He speaks George's language, especially since they've worked so closely together in the past.  And his name had actually been tossed about for directing at least one of the prequels before GL decided he would return to the director's chair.

There are certainly some other great directors that might work well with Star Wars.  JJ Abrams has been openly vocal about his love for Star Wars and how much it influenced his own life in filmmaking.  And I've got to say, Jon Favreau might be an interesting guy to take on Star Wars.  After seeing what he was capable of doing with Iron Man and Iron Man 2, my opinion of him changed dramatically.  If not as a director, then perhaps as one of the screen writers.  Joe Johnston has definitely upped his game with his past few films.  [Captain America, especially.

I know there have been wishlist directors thrown around, like Chris Nolan, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson.  I think their work is amazing, and their take on the saga could be really interesting.  But I also get the sense that they all tend to be so involved in the screenwriting and story process of their own films that it might not make any of them the right fit for the Sequel Trilogy.  With Jackson at least, his schedule probably wouldn't permit him to take on the project.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Matt_Fury on November 5, 2012, 12:37 AM
I can sum up Spielberg as a bad choice in 5 words: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Joss Whedon could do a good job.  Although I saw a story where someone was hoping Han Solo would be recast by Ryan Gosling.  If I start seeing stuff like that...no way in hell I'm going to see it.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on November 5, 2012, 06:39 AM
The way the rumor mill is really gearing up has me jazzed for Star Wars in a way since I haven't been since TPM came out.  Better yet is the final destination of this story is not determined, unlike the PT.

I think Joe Johnston is an ideal pick.  He's proven himself on a big-budget blockbuster, he has proven that he can work with an FX heavy movie, and he has history with the franchise.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: jedipurge on November 5, 2012, 06:38 PM
i just can't believe how stoked I am on this, anything that would result in more movies is a plus for me.  Considering all we've had to look forward to is a weekly cartoon and a game here or there, this is almost mind blowing.  Can't wait to read into all the lil tidbits that we'll gleam from rumors and pics.  this will be even better then ROTS when we finally found out how Anakin became Vader because EVERYTHING will be new and no holds bar.  This time I'll be able to share with my son and he'll be 8 by the time this hits theaters, PERFECT age.  By the time ROTS was out my oldest daughter was only 5 and of course all about Disney Princess.  This is a whole new ball game in so many respects.  And I can't wait.  I think the only thing that could make this suck is if they cloned Anakin or something stupid
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Rob on November 6, 2012, 01:46 PM
And I've got to say, Jon Favreau might be an interesting guy to take on Star Wars.  After seeing what he was capable of doing with Iron Man and Iron Man 2, my opinion of him changed dramatically.

I'm not sure you'd still think that was a good idea if you'd seen Cowboys and Aliens.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: P-Siddy on November 6, 2012, 04:48 PM
And I've got to say, Jon Favreau might be an interesting guy to take on Star Wars.  After seeing what he was capable of doing with Iron Man and Iron Man 2, my opinion of him changed dramatically.

I'm not sure you'd still think that was a good idea if you'd seen Cowboys and Aliens.

I only watched it for the eye candy... wasn't that bad if you watch it from that perspective.  :P
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Carpeteria3000 on November 6, 2012, 07:25 PM
Seems like almost everyone is shooting for the "geek-oriented" directors to take the helm (Abrams, Jackson, Favreau, etc.), but honestly, I'd rather see someone who is just straight up a GOOD movie director - I don't care about their geek creds. Irvin Kershner wasn't known for making sci-fi movies, but he made the best SW movie, hands down. Richard Marquand - same thing. Why not look for just SOLID directors who can tell a story effectively?

Sure, having someone who is a huge SW fan is nice, but I'm sure there will be more than enough folks behind the scenes who are ultra SW geeks. Without a dictator-like presence a la Lucas running things, I think simply a great director could give us a fantastic movie. David O. Russell? Darren Aronovsky? Tom Hooper? Kathryn Bigelow? Danny Boyle? Maybe none of them would want to take on the job, but I hope they think outside of the obvious with this choice.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Phrubruh on November 6, 2012, 09:53 PM
How about a Star Wars movie that is off the beaten path with lots of horror elements in it directed by Guillermo del Toro or even Tobe Hooper?

 
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on November 6, 2012, 10:40 PM
And I've got to say, Jon Favreau might be an interesting guy to take on Star Wars.  After seeing what he was capable of doing with Iron Man and Iron Man 2, my opinion of him changed dramatically.

I'm not sure you'd still think that was a good idea if you'd seen Cowboys and Aliens.

I saw it.  Visually the movie was good.  The script?  Eh.

But since when was any Star Wars script all that strong?  At least when it came to dialogue?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: speedermike on November 11, 2012, 02:21 PM
Boy, I hated Cowboys and Aliens...dull, no humor, grisly without any depth...just lame.

I've been thinking that Kenneth Branagh might work as well.  He is a proven director of actors and high drama, and his work on Thor was pretty good.  And the fact that he did Thor, means he has the Disney approval.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Phrubruh on November 16, 2012, 01:55 PM
There is talk about Disney following a Marvel-like series of movies based on individual characters and then have those character meet up in Ep7,8,9. Kind of like Iron Man, Thor, Captain America then the Avengers.

Maybe our boy Willrow Hood will get his own movie!!!

http://blastr.com/2012/11/disney-planning-2-or-3-st.php (http://blastr.com/2012/11/disney-planning-2-or-3-st.php)
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: JediJman on November 16, 2012, 09:36 PM
I think you misinterpreted the article.  The author was stating that there would be more than one release every few years, like Marvel has done, not that SW would adopt the same concept of solo character-based storylines.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: darth broem 2 on November 17, 2012, 07:52 PM
Yeah, it's going to be be the Sequel Trilogy first.  Then after that who knows? I could see them doing single character films after that.  Of course Boba Fett comes to mind.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: TheSon on November 19, 2012, 05:56 PM
So.... I was thinking, and if Disney purchased all of Lucasfilm, does that mean they own the rights to all of the footage and deleted scenes? I am already assuming sometime before Ep 7 comes out that a new 3D release box set may include the original films unaltered and in a bluray format. But with Disney's style of releasing anything to home video (raise your hand if you own a copy of Aladdin part 3). Is it safe to assume that other titles may be re-released or released for the first time such as the Ewoks movies, Droids cartoons, and the Star Wars Holiday special (which other than some of the singing has more entertainment value than it us given credit for)? I can also see collectors springing for ultimate editions of the original movies with the special editions, original editions, and ALL of the deleted scenes and footage in the vault that pertains to that film. I hate to buy these for a ridiculous fifth or sixth time, but....
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on November 20, 2012, 07:45 AM
I believe at some point in the next few years we'll get pre-97 cuts of the films.  I know there is murkiness with the rights to Star Wars, but I am sure that Fox would be happy to share in some revenue on a 35 year old film.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Phrubruh on November 20, 2012, 09:46 AM
Fox is nothing but a distributer. They own nothing related to Star Wars. Fox got a small percentage to place the movie in theaters nothing more. It's like saying Walmart owns the rights to everthing it sells.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on November 20, 2012, 11:00 AM
Fox does own the distribution rights for the first film, so it could throw some drama into the reality of this happening. They don't own anything else about the films except that, but it is sort of a big deal.  This is more like WalMart buying the EXCLUSIVE distribution rights to a product, and then the manufacturer trying to sell it at another distributor.  The manufacturer would have to wait for those rights to expire (which they won't here; Fox owns them in perpetuity) or the manufacturer and the distributors would have to hammer out an agreement.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Rob on November 24, 2012, 12:24 PM
Quick, someone explain to Disney the importance of Tonnika Sisters action figures.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL; Announces Episode 7
Post by: Jeff on December 3, 2012, 02:39 PM
Gone (hopefully) are all of the ******* blatant yes men like Burtt and McCallum. 

McCallum is definitely out (http://starwars.com/news/an-independent-future-for-rick-mccallum/index.html).
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Jesse James on December 3, 2012, 02:53 PM
I'll never forget his hype surrounding every Prequal film.  There's no way he honestly believed a lot of what he was saying.

Quote
"It's a producer's job to make possible a director's vision, whatever that may be,"

IE: He wanted it!  What was I gonna do!?  I was just following orders! :P
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Jeff on March 7, 2013, 02:38 PM
How Disney Bought LFL (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-03-07/how-disney-bought-lucasfilm-and-its-plans-for-star-wars)

Really interesting story there.  Fills in a lot of details about just when Lucas decided to get the band back together for Episode 7, when Disney came on board, etc.  Definitely a good read.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Dave on March 14, 2013, 01:34 PM
How Disney Bought LFL (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-03-07/how-disney-bought-lucasfilm-and-its-plans-for-star-wars)

Really interesting story there.  Fills in a lot of details about just when Lucas decided to get the band back together for Episode 7, when Disney came on board, etc.  Definitely a good read.

I'm not an investment banker, but it looks like Disney got a steal compared to what they paid for Pixar and Marvel.  They paid $7 billion and $4 billion for Pixar and Marvel, respectively, while paying $4 billion for Lucasfilm. 

Page 3 of the article shows the cash flows at the three companies at the time of purchase and Lucasfilm generates significantly more operating income than Marvel.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Scockery on March 14, 2013, 07:40 PM
Quote
Iger is busy readying the machinery that will crank out Star Wars-related toys and theme park attractions and whatever Disney deems as appropriate franchise exploitation. He says he’s looking to expand sales of Star Wars merchandise overseas and that ABC and Lucasfilm are discussing a live-action TV series. At the same time, Iger says he doesn’t want to do anything that might detract from the upcoming movies. “I don’t want to overcommercialize or overhype this,” he says. “It’s my job to prevent that.”


Star Wars become overcommercialized or overhyped?! Perish the thought! Disney knows what they are doing, it's not like they put Mickey Mouse on everything... ;)

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: P-Siddy on March 16, 2013, 09:37 AM
That's why they have the vault.  You won't see it again for the next few years.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Diddly on April 9, 2013, 07:06 AM
So has anyone compiled a list of stuff that Disney has axed since the Great Takeover?

Off the top of my head I've got:

- Clone Wars cartoon/Lucasfilm Animation
- 3D movie rereleases
- Lucasarts/Video Game division
- Star Wars Comics (rumored to be switching from Dark Horse to Marvel)
- Hasbro toy line :P

Anything I'm missing here?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Phrubruh on April 9, 2013, 09:48 AM
It's interesting that Disney did so many cutbacks when they bought LFL. When they bought Pixar and Marvel they left everything alone and told them to continue without interference. They then buy LFL and its cuts everywhere. I guess you don't mess with an engine that is firing on all cylinders. LFL sure wasn't. It's like Lucas was actively trying to destroy his IP.

Kill Lucasfilm animation - no need to have that when you have Pixar. Besides LFL is using similar software and Detours makes the IP into a joke. You don't see Disney doing that with Mickey. That's a poor way to grow a brand.

3D movie re-releases - there is no point to re-releasing these movies in such poor state. 3D was poorly done for ep1 and it was a marketing failure that we still have to live with to this day. These movies should be presented to a new generation without gimmicks and less 3rd party marketing campaigns.

Lucasarts - This division has not released a self published title in years. Most of what has come out recently has been bad. Making an adult star wars game alienates its core audience of kids that Disney wants to keep.

Star Wars comics - cheaper to do them in house then deal with a third party.

Hasbro toy line - poor distribution, bankrupt ideas, poor quality, out of control prices. It's good to put this in to carbon freeze for a while. When the toys return, they will fly off the shelf again.

Good luck George on those smaller independent movies you've always wanted to make. I hope they do better than Red Tails. Remember, a special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing. 
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on April 9, 2013, 10:38 AM
I think that anything that is not family friendly will be shuttered.  The "adult" games?  Cancelled.  TCW, while marketed to children, was not at all in the same family friendly "place" that the OT and even TPM is.  The violence in this show was over the line, even when compared to RotS. 

Whether the vocal internet adult fans like it or not, SW is a family brand, and Disney will now bring it back to where it was and the changes that have slowly crept in since RotS and Lucas lost interest in the brand will be turned around.  You won't see Family guy parodying any more, and that is also why Detours was shut down.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Scockery on April 17, 2013, 01:42 AM
Now they are axing Lucasfilm licensing people.


Disney makes more a year than most countries's gross domestic product, but they are pink slip crazy.

I think the toyline is gonna be affected eventually, I mean even worse so.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: McMetal on April 17, 2013, 09:29 AM
They are firing people who actually do their jobs well, yet Hasbro continues to bask in impunity. They are the worst managed thing associated with Star Wars right now and yet operate without any fear of reprisal or accountability whatsoever.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on April 17, 2013, 10:13 AM
Hasbro is not a division of Disney.  They are likely eliminating redundancy, something that would happen in any merger of this type.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Scockery on April 17, 2013, 12:08 PM
Of course, but that doesn't mean Hasbro's offerings won't be affected by Disney's actions, if they haven't been already...which they probably have, since the other 3D releases got canned.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Jesse James on April 17, 2013, 04:29 PM
I agree with Jim, but I can say that Hasbro has been impacted by Disney so far...  Nothing that really wasn't expected, but there's been some major focus changes.  So I think you're both right ultimately.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Phrubruh on April 22, 2013, 09:41 AM
They are firing people who actually do their jobs well,...

I don't know about that. LucasArts hasn't self published a good game since the early '90s. They have acted mostly as distributer. Lucas licensing has given everyone and their dog a license to make Star Wars stuff. There is too much product saturation out there.  Lucasfilm Animation was laughed at for the Clone Wars because of their wooden looking characters. Just look at Obiwan's hair! Lucasfilm Animation also made Rango and it was not well received. They just aren't in the same league as Pixar or even Disney Animation.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Pete_Fett on April 22, 2013, 02:17 PM
I don't know about that. LucasArts hasn't self published a good game since the early '90s. They have acted mostly as distributer. Lucas licensing has given everyone and their dog a license to make Star Wars stuff. There is too much product saturation out there.  Lucasfilm Animation was laughed at for the Clone Wars because of their wooden looking characters. Just look at Obiwan's hair! Lucasfilm Animation also made Rango and it was not well received. They just aren't in the same league as Pixar or even Disney Animation.

For me the best example is to look at the How to Tame Your Dragon franchise - the movie was great - granted the adult vikings were a bit distorted for effect, the level of detail in the 3D animation was great. They have successfully translated that level of detail to the TV series that's also on Cartoon Network. I was shocked to find that watching an episode of the show was just like watching an extension of the movie, combined with the fact that the voices were being done by many of the same people, made it all the more appealing.

So if Dreamworks could do it, I don't see any reason why the Clone Wars couldn't have been better looking. Heck, if they had done something in the same league as Pixar (i.e. Brave) then we may have never needed to have a separate "animated" style figure line at all...
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Muftak on April 23, 2013, 01:12 PM
So if Dreamworks could do it, I don't see any reason why the Clone Wars couldn't have been better looking.
Lucasfilm Animation was laughed at for the Clone Wars because of their wooden looking characters. Just look at Obiwan's hair!

I thought the ugly appearance of the show was supposedly on purpose because Lucas wanted it to look like the puppets from Thunderbirds.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on January 30, 2015, 12:23 PM
Here's more on the timeline (http://www.slashfilm.com/bob-iger-star-wars-sequel-trilogy/) of future Star Wars releases from Disney CEO Bob Iger.  He also mentions a little bit about one of the standalone Star Wars projects:

Quote
As one of the few people allowed to visit the set during filming….and one of the fewer who’s seen most of the footage…I can assure the millions of Star Wars fans who have spent the last decade hoping for a new movie this one will be worth the wait. And it’s only the beginning of a new era of exceptional Star Wars storytelling; next year we’ll release our first standalone movie based on these characters, followed by Star Wars: Episode VIII in 2017, and we’ll finish this trilogy with Episode IX in 2019.

Some bullet points, courtesy of Slashfilm:


1.Iger has seen most of the footage from The Force Awakens.
2.He believes it’s “worth the wait.”
3.He mentions the 2016 standalone movie.
4.He hints the 2016 standalone movie is about “these characters,” potentially meaning characters from the new movies.
5.Star Wars Episode VIII will be out in 2017.
6.There is no mention of a second standalone movie, directed by Josh Trank, hypothetically in 2018.
7.Star Wars Episode IX will be out in 2019.
8.He refers to that film as the end of “this trilogy.” That makes it sound like there will be more.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Jeff on January 30, 2015, 12:34 PM
Oh, wow - the guy who has a huge financial interest in these movies succeeding assures us that it's "worth the wait"?  Whew!  I'm sure he'd totally tell us the truth if he thought they were terrible...   :P

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on January 30, 2015, 01:40 PM
I would expect that after spending $4 billion to buy the franchise Bob Iger will be cheerleading all the way.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Matt_Fury on January 30, 2015, 02:04 PM
I'm sort of glad that the main movies will only be two years apart.

I think they could possibly missing a lot of opportunities with the stand alone movies.  How about a movie on how the rebels stole the Death Star plans, or something from back in the Old Republic?  There's a lot of potential there.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: JediJman on January 31, 2015, 09:50 AM
Oh, wow - the guy who has a huge financial interest in these movies succeeding assures us that it's "worth the wait"?  Whew!  I'm sure he'd totally tell us the truth if he thought they were terrible...   :P

+1  Would be hilarious to have him come out with "Well, the new Star Wars movies are just so-so."
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Rob on January 31, 2015, 10:48 AM
Oh, wow - the guy who has a huge financial interest in these movies succeeding assures us that it's "worth the wait"?  Whew!  I'm sure he'd totally tell us the truth if he thought they were terrible...   :P

That in and of itself doesn't mean he's not right!
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Phrubruh on February 2, 2015, 09:50 AM
Remember anything that Iger says is prewritten by the marketing department. Disney's marketing department can be pretty crappy at times. Look how they handled John Carter. Their marketing on Frozen was terrible and it totally caught them off guard that people responded to the movie despite awful  ads were we were convinced that Olfe was the next Jar Jar.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on November 20, 2015, 11:11 AM
It sure sounds like George Lucas has no interest in working with Disney on Star Wars (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/george-lucas-on-why-he-is-done-directing-star-wars/).


George Lucas on his decision to "break up" with "Star Wars"

George Lucas, the mastermind behind the Star Wars franchise, says no more.

Lucas told Vanity Fair that he didn't want to be a part of the long-awaited seventh episode of the Star Wars saga, "The Force Awakens," because "it's not much fun" when you "go to make a movie and all you do is get criticized."

He spoke to "CBS This Morning" co-host Charlie Rose about his decision to never direct another "Star Wars" picture.

"The issue was ultimately, they looked at the stories and they said, 'We want to make something for the fans,'" Lucas said. "People don't actually realize it's actually a soap opera and it's all about family problems - it's not about spaceships. So they decided they didn't want to use those stories, they decided they were going to do their own thing so I decided, 'fine.... I'll go my way and I let them go their way.'"

This marks the first time Lucas is not intimately involved, which Lucas compared to a breakup.

"When you break up with somebody, the first rule is no phone calls. The second rule, you don't go over to their house and drive by to see what they're doing," he said laughing. "The third one is you don't show up at their coffee shop and say you are going to burn it... You just say 'Nope, gone, history, I'm moving forward.'"

The full interview will air on "CBS This Morning" in December, as part of our Kennedy center Honors coverage. Lucas is among this year's recipients.




I've got to say, I feel for the guy.  He is the reason why Star Wars exists at all.  He created it.  He brought it to us all with a supreme amount of effort and creativity.  The movies.  The characters.   All of the stories and toys.  Movie blockbusters as we know them today.  EVERYTHING. 

But the audience turned on him.  The audience did not share George Lucas's view that these were kids movies.  And when he went on to create the PT he lost a lot of the original audience.  I have repeatedly chalked that up to an unreasonable level of expectations on the part of the audience, compounded by the fact that their perception of the OT as an integral part of their childhood made it nearly impossible for George Lucas to please them.  And a lot of the hate that's been leveled at George Lucas for the PT really comes across as ingratitude. 

I don't really count myself as a PT hater.  Can I be critical of those films?  Sure.  But I don't have anywhere near the level of invective for GL that some people do.  My criticisms tend to be a bit more broad.  I think that the CGI advances were amazing, but perhaps striking more of a balance with practical effects could have served the story better.  And I think a comparable working situation to the OT where George Lucas would serve as writer / executive producer while another filmmaker stepped in as director might have helped as well.  When George Lucas collaborates with people, like Spielberg or Irvin Kershner, there have been some great results.  But I think at the heart of it all, George's stories are what made Star Wars great.  And that absence from Star Wars moving forward is something that has me wondering where things are going in terms of the big picture.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Matt_Fury on November 20, 2015, 01:35 PM
I don't feel sorry for him.  He is the one who decided to surround himself with people unable or unwilling to tell him no.  He has great overall ideas, but he needs help writing a screenplay and he is not a very good director.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Pete_Fett on November 21, 2015, 09:42 AM
There are great aspects of the PT and there are horrible aspects of the PT. I hate to sound like a "PT Hater Broken Record" but there were plenty of laughs in the OT and none of it was in-your-face silly slapstick. It was things that happened ORGANICALLY to the story that allowed for a laugh.

The best example I can think of off the top of my head is when Han, Leia, Chewie and C-3PO are running through Echo Base to evade the incoming Snowtroopers and get to the Falcon. At one point C-3PO finds himself on the opposite side of a door from the rest of the group, C-3PO stands there banging on the door repeating "Captain Solo, Captain Solo" and then gives up and says defeated "Typical" - the door then opens, Han grabs the droid and says "come on!". I'm sure we're all familiar with that scene. It works because of the well established characters and how we know they are to behave. Solo - the scoundrel with a heart of gold and the invaluable droid waaay to prissy to have somehow survived this long in this galaxy. The combination organically makes for good humor.

Flash forward 19 years from ESB and in comes Jar Jar - a character that Lucas many times has said was put into the movie "for the kids". We had no such bumbling idiot character in the OT, not even C-3PO came close. So with the introduction of this character came the sight gags - him stepping in poop, smelling farts, stumbling and bumbling his way through a battle, etc... None of that spoke to the core audience who grew up on the OT and made the OT an event to pass down to their children. Speaking as someone who had a young son when TPM came out who was 10 at the time, not even he enjoyed that ridiculous nonsense. Star Wars movies should appeal to "kids of all ages" not just five year old kids who have spent the first five years of their lives drooling on themselves watching horrible cartoons on Nickelodian (sp?).

I have had many discussions with my friends who are varying ages of 20-50 and we all agree if instead of trying to force (no pun intended) humor into the PT and instead let it come naturally through the interaction of well defined and acted characters the PT wouldn't be as maligned as it is today.

Think about this - what would TPM have been like if Jar Jar had been a noble warrior and former leader of the Gungans, exiled when Boss Nass came into power and when we first see him, with only a staff he is adeptly taking on several battle droids at once and only due to overwhelming odds needed Qui Gon to help him and because Qui Gon helped, he pledges a life debt to Qui Gon for standing next to him in the fight and turning the tide.

Cut out all the ridiculous nonsense and then when you go to Tatooine, allow for some of the humor to come naturally because he could be the proverbial "fish (or in this case amphibian) out of water" in a land with no water or moisture whatsoever. Add that you meet up with Anakin at the SAME AGE as Luke Skywalker, completely avoiding bad child actors and you find a GOOD actor who can actually show other emotions beside "spoiled jerk".

When it comes time for the end with the battle, Jar Jar goes to the Gungan people with the group to ask for help in fighting the battle droid army and finds them oppressed by the rule of Nass and his corrupt council, he challanges Nass for leadership of the Gungans, he is reminded of what happened last time, but this time Jar Jar defeats Nass, liberates the Gungans and they are happy to follow him into battle. Anakin gladly jumps into a fighter and is a great asset in space because of his skills in a cockpit, not because of how many times he can say "wizard" and "oops".

Lastly, you give control of the movies over to directors who can actually direct, not directors who provide direction by saying "okay that was good, but let's do it again, only this time do it better" - what the heck does that mean.

These are all simple things that could have made TPM at least modestly GOOD and watchable. Like Matt said in the previous post, Lucas surrounded himself with "yes men" who were so thrilled to be working on Star Wars they didn't care whether or not the Star Wars they were making was crap - and that is where the team behind the PT lost their way.

I find it awfully petty for Lucas to make that remark about how they wanted Star Wars to be about spaceships and not family drama. Unless Kasdan and Abrams totally throw us a curve-ball, I'm willing to bet that a HUGE part of The Force Awakens will be about family and who your family is. It's just that it will also be about spaceships and explosions, instead of humanoid amphibians doing a Jamaican Stepin Fetchit impersonation and stepping in crap for laughs.

Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on November 22, 2015, 07:31 AM
I'll go you one better, Pete. The portrayal of C-3PO in AotC makes Jar Jar look like genius. How they totally got that character so wrong is mind boggling.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: P-Siddy on November 22, 2015, 10:02 AM
That whole droid factory scene is garbage.  It looks like a video game level idea that they decided to put into the movie: jumping, ducking, timing a run with mechanical arms, molders, smashers, cutters, etc.

I'd like to see a Rebels episode where Artoo's rockets get damaged beyond repair.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: EdSolo on November 23, 2015, 07:19 AM
Lucas has lost it in my opinion.  TPM and AOTC were boring movies.  If you are making a kids series, you don't talk about political disputes over trade routes in the opening credits.

A major problem with the prequels is that he ignored the OT.  Kenobi states that Yoda trained him.  Sure you can retcon it into Yoda trained all the younglings or that it is easier to tell Luke that Yoda trained him instead of telling Luke that Yoda trained the guy who trained the guy who trained him, but he deliberately ignored that link to bring in Qui Gon as Kenobi's master.   Leia's memory of her mother is laughable as well.  The whole three seconds that she saw her does not a memory make, regardless of the Force.  Sure, Padme is too important of a character to kill of screen, but he already wrote himself into a corner.  Lucas could have fixed it by going into the future, but he always kept his story contained. 

No one wanted to see a ten year old Anakin.  TPM could have been covered in ten minutes, but, again, Lucas doesn't like to jump forward in time.  What was the one thing everyone wanted to see in the prequels?  The Clone Wars.  What do we get to see?  The opening and closing battles of said Clone Wars while what we wanted to see gets pushed to a cartoon series.  On the whole, I like the Clone Wars series better than TPM and AOTC, but her is where we see Lucas' resentment over the reviews of the prequels.  He decides to do stuff to irk EU fans.  The Mandalorians are now pacifists?  Just silly.  It would be like the hippies overthrowing the US government during the Vietnam era.  His daughter presented Dathomir like it was her idea.  Not one mention of the guy who actually created it.  Lucas goes on the Daily show.  Guess what?  Kenobi is now from Stew-jon.  What a great contribution.  Now he is mad that Disney didn't follow his story lines.  If they were anything like TPM or AOTC, I don't blame them.  Disney paid $4 billion for Star Wars.  I can understand why they would want it to be successful and want to draw the OT fans back.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: McMetal on November 23, 2015, 09:25 AM
Yeah, no sympathy here either. He sounds like a bitter old fart. I can't wait for the new movie to come out and be roundly lauded and see lots of praise heaped on JJ to help salt those old wounds.

People turned on you because A) you could not stop screwing with the original 3 films, which were perfectly fine as is; and B) you made 3 terrible, soulless CGI-laden movies that bore little to no resemblance to the OT. Some of the worst acting and dialogue in those movies I can ever remember. You got so rich and famous that it put you out of touch with your core audience and the basic principles of storytelling that built your little empire. (pun intended)

You know what else ex-boyfriends don't do? Give silly interviews about the breakup. The deal is done, let it go, the franchise is in much more capable hands now. go back to being a rumpled plaid recluse already.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Pete_Fett on November 23, 2015, 09:39 AM
I'll go you one better, Pete. The portrayal of C-3PO in AotC makes Jar Jar look like genius. How they totally got that character so wrong is mind boggling.

That whole droid factory scene is garbage.  It looks like a video game level idea that they decided to put into the movie: jumping, ducking, timing a run with mechanical arms, molders, smashers, cutters, etc.

I'd like to see a Rebels episode where Artoo's rockets get damaged beyond repair.

100% Agreed. The funny thing about that scene is that it was a last-minute addition. It's one of AOTC's best examples of how having some more "no men" on the team would have really helped.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Qui-Gon Jim on November 23, 2015, 11:02 AM
Lucas has lost it in my opinion.  TPM and AOTC were boring movies.  If you are making a kids series, you don't talk about political disputes over trade routes in the opening credits.

A major problem with the prequels is that he ignored the OT.  Kenobi states that Yoda trained him.  Sure you can retcon it into Yoda trained all the younglings or that it is easier to tell Luke that Yoda trained him instead of telling Luke that Yoda trained the guy who trained the guy who trained him, but he deliberately ignored that link to bring in Qui Gon as Kenobi's master.   Leia's memory of her mother is laughable as well.  The whole three seconds that she saw her does not a memory make, regardless of the Force. 

This X 10000.  I don't hate the prequels as much as most, but there were so many lost opportunities.  For example, the Falcon should have been in there, somewhere, and Kenobi should have been on it.  Fans went CRAZY when they saw the first shots of the Falcon sets for TFA, and even more so for the appearance in the trailer.  For a guy so keen on compositing a shot to call back to a scene from a previous movie, Lucas is totally tone-deaf sometimes.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: JediJman on November 23, 2015, 03:28 PM
So here's a question to think about: Given the fairly poor reception for the prequels and Disney's willingness to erase the expanded universe, does anyone think Disney would ever eliminate the prequels or re-write them?  They'll be pumping out new stuff for the next decade, but as that push dies down, is there any chance of revisiting the prequels or will they just let them be?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: P-Siddy on November 23, 2015, 03:40 PM
Oh, I bet they'll be redone at some point, along with the originals.  As for when, I hope I'm long gone.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: EdSolo on November 23, 2015, 03:46 PM
So here's a question to think about: Given the fairly poor reception for the prequels and Disney's willingness to erase the expanded universe, does anyone think Disney would ever eliminate the prequels or re-write them?  They'll be pumping out new stuff for the next decade, but as that push dies down, is there any chance of revisiting the prequels or will they just let them be?

I actually had the same thought.  Would they reboot the prequels and keep the OT.  Never say never, but Disney's official answer at this point would be no.  When they moved the EU to Legends, they were pretty specific on what was canon.  If they run out of ideas after Episode IX and the third anthology film and don't go for a Episode X to XII trilogy, redoing the prequels would seem logical.  They would push them on the Clone Wars cartoon series into legends and have free range with a new story of Vader's birth.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Jesse James on November 23, 2015, 06:11 PM
I say never say never, but I don't think they'd do it.  There's possibly something prohibiting it too even.  Lucas is protective in his own way, so I could see that actually.

There is pretty fertile ground for them to do film after film after film though too.  Especially if writing over EU material's obviously not an issue too.  I don't see it, personally, but that's me.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Dave on November 23, 2015, 06:33 PM
I hope they don't redo the prequels.  Why bother?  Maybe make a Clone Wars movie or tell some new stories in that time period, but redoing these movies would be a waste.  There are lots of other new stories that can be told anywhere along the timeline.

I don't know why GL takes himself and Star Wars so seriously.  He doesn't do that with Indy.  Indy is a fun pulpy story.  Star Wars should have a good story at its core (it does), but needs to be entertaining - e.g. spaceships.  Cut out all the pandering and worthless soap opera family backstory, and tell a fun story.

I'm glad he has stepped away and hasn't tried to get too involved.  I'm 100% confident JJ will create a kick ass story.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on November 30, 2015, 10:45 PM
In light of the criticism of George Lucas as a director for the prequel films, some interesting quotes have come to light.  Notably, regarding directors that Lucas approached to take on the prequels, and they turned him down.  Like?  Spielberg.  Zemeckis.  And Ron Howard.  They all turned down the job. 

http://epicstream.com/news/These-3-Oscar-Winning-Directors-Turned-Down-The-Phantom-Menace
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on December 1, 2015, 10:44 AM
Check out more about this Ron Howard news in this Hollywood Reporter article (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ron-howard-turning-down-star-844107).  Director Ron Howard is in the process of doing press for his new film In The Heart Of The Sea, but in the process another topic has come up:  STAR WARS.

There's been a good deal of press lately regarding George Lucas lack of involvement with the new Star Wars films following the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney.  Lucas has equated it to a divorce.  George had ideas about the direction for new chapters in the saga, and Disney had other ideas and wanted to go in another direction.  And it seems likely that Disney's fear of Lucas involvement stems from much of the criticism that was leveled at George for the way that PT films turned out with Lucas as writer and director.

Well, this new article reveals that George Lucas didn't want to direct the Prequels! (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ron-howard-turning-down-star-844107)  No doubt Ron Howard has seen some of the negative press about George Lucas recently, and I can see why he would feel some loyalty to George.  Lucas gave Howard opportunities as a director early in his career with projects like Willow.  So I can certainly see why he would feel compelled to step in and stop some of the George bashing.  Read on:


Ron Howard on Turning Down ‘Star Wars’ Prequel: "Too Daunting"


by Arlene Washington

11/29/2015 12:12am PST

“He didn’t necessarily want to direct them," said Howard of George Lucas. “He told me that he had talked to [Robert] Zemeckis, he talked to me, he talked to Steven Spielberg.”

Director Ron Howard revealed that his résumé of blockbuster films could have included Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace. In a podcast interview on Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz, the director said that he along with Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg passed on golden offers from Lucas to direct the franchise prequels.

“He didn’t necessarily want to direct them,”said Howard. “He told me that he had talked to [Robert] Zemeckis, he talked to me, he talked to Steven Spielberg. I was the third one he spoke to. They all said the same thing: ‘George, you should just do it. This is your baby.' Nobody wanted to follow that act I don’t think at that point. That was an honor, but it would’ve been just too daunting."

Lucas ended up directing the trilogy including, Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, Episode II — Attack of the Clones and Episode III — Revenge of the Sith. Howard lauded Lucas as his "directorial mentor" whom he worked with on Willow (1988) and American Graffiti (1973) and shared Lucas' impact on his latest film, In the Heart of the Sea.

“There are some subtle, contemporary themes in the story and it surprised me when I read it. And yet, there’s also this bedrock classic story of going to sea and nature turning on the whalers," said Howard. "This is what attracted Herman Melville to the story of The Essex when he wrote Moby Dick. I think those elements attracted me, but I wanted to present them in as modern of a way as I possibly could. I was borrowing a little bit from George’s inspiration, about how do you tell classic story, preserve that, but make it a modern movie experience for audiences.”



WOW.  Spielberg said no.  Robert Zemeckis said no.  Ron Howard said no.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: GrandMoffNick on December 1, 2015, 10:51 AM
Or they read the script and said, "good Lord I'm not having my name on that!"
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Pete_Fett on December 1, 2015, 11:10 AM
Or they read the script and said, "good Lord I'm not having my name on that!"

+1

While I can respect Ron Howard for "having George's back" - I think this is far more likely - poor script which bore very little resemblance to the story telling of the OT combined with the fact that Lucas probably had grand visions of shooting the entire movie on a green sound stage and having ILM digitally add all of the backgrounds and digital characters.

Keep in mind Lucas and Lucasfilm would have still been the PRODUCER of the film, and if your producer is trying to sell you on a 100% computer generated set, as a director you may not be inclined to say "Yes".
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on December 1, 2015, 11:40 AM
Feature films are a directors medium.  Directors have the biggest say of anyone in the process.  I would take Ron Howard at his word.  Star Wars probably seemed like too daunting of an undertaking, and he recognized that the expectations of fans were going to be exceptionally high.  I would think that both Spielberg and Zemeckis had similar feelings about the situation because Star Wars is a world unto itself.  And very likely all three of these directors wanted to see Lucas get back in the director's chair again. 

I certainly don't think that Spielberg had any misgivings about collaborating with Lucas, especially given their track record of working together on the Indiana Jones films.  They've been partners before.  And Lucas has handed over the directing reins before to people like Irvin Kershner and Richard Marquand.  I've never seen anything written or reported where either of them felt that Lucas was meddling in the process.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Phrubruh on December 2, 2015, 09:28 AM
Howard dodged a bullet by not accepting TPM. Look at the amount of pressure he would have been under to create something that duplicated lightening in a bottle that ANH had. There is no way he or any other director could have taken that on and emerged looking like a hero. Spielberg got roasted for KOTCS but was smart enough to apologise.

Now that Disney owns it and Lucas is out of the picture and there is less pressure to make something with impossible expectations. It's still incredibility high and JJ just might be able to pull it off. If I were a director I would stay far away from Star Wars until a few movies are made.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on December 6, 2015, 06:10 PM
So, George Lucas has seen The Force Awakens.  And according to Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy, George really liked the film. 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/george-lucas-attend-star-wars-845948?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=THR%20Breaking%20News_now_2015-12-04%2015:54:09_ehayden&utm_term=hollywoodreporter_breakingnews
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Phrubruh on December 7, 2015, 10:28 AM
So, George Lucas has seen The Force Awakens.  And according to Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy, George really liked the film. 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/george-lucas-attend-star-wars-845948?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=THR%20Breaking%20News_now_2015-12-04%2015:54:09_ehayden&utm_term=hollywoodreporter_breakingnews

Yikes! We're doomed.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on March 31, 2017, 07:59 AM
Check out this rather extensive article from Star Wars News Net (https://www.starwarsnewsnet.com/2017/03/do-not-post-lucasfilms-post-star-wars-episode-ix-plans.html).  It covers some things that may happen in the near term (Episode VIII), a project or two that may be revealed at Celebration next week, and what Disney's long term plans may be for the franchise in the longer term.  Collider's Jedi Council (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axnTbrTSfjw) is reporting some similar news as well.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Dave on March 31, 2017, 12:29 PM
Check out this rather extensive article from Star Wars News Net (https://www.starwarsnewsnet.com/2017/03/do-not-post-lucasfilms-post-star-wars-episode-ix-plans.html).  It covers some things that may happen in the near term (Episode VIII), a project or two that may be revealed at Celebration next week, and what Disney's long term plans may be for the franchise in the longer term.  Collider's Jedi Council (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axnTbrTSfjw) is reporting some similar news as well.

I hope this is all mostly true.  Obi-Wan movie with Ewan?  Yes please!  Bounty Hunters with Boba Fett?  Yes!  Star Wars on TV?  Hell yes!

I'm hoping some of this will get confirmed at Celebration.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on March 31, 2017, 12:49 PM
Check out this rather extensive article from Star Wars News Net (https://www.starwarsnewsnet.com/2017/03/do-not-post-lucasfilms-post-star-wars-episode-ix-plans.html).  It covers some things that may happen in the near term (Episode VIII), a project or two that may be revealed at Celebration next week, and what Disney's long term plans may be for the franchise in the longer term.  Collider's Jedi Council (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axnTbrTSfjw) is reporting some similar news as well.

I hope this is all mostly true.  Obi-Wan movie with Ewan?  Yes please!  Bounty Hunters with Boba Fett?  Yes!  Star Wars on TV?  Hell yes!

I'm hoping some of this will get confirmed at Celebration.


Same here.

I remember watching Collider's Jedi Council one time when Freddie Prinze Jr and Sam Witwer were guests.  The subject of an Obi-Wan anthology movie came up, and one of them mentioned that as many as a dozen or more Obi-Wan scripts had been pitched to Lucasfilm.  Between that and Ewan McGregor's expressed interest in the project, I've felt like the possibility of this project actually happening was pretty solid.  But like the SWNN article mentioned, I think that Lucasfilm wanted to have an idea of what if anything Obi-Wan's involvement may be in the Sequel Trilogy before moving forward with an Obi-Wan Kenobi film.

The prospect of a Boba Fett and the bounty hunters movie is also pretty cool.  I'm pretty sure that's what Josh Trank was working on when he unceremoniously left Lucasfilm around the time of Celebration Anaheim.  As for TV?  It's been rumored for a while that Dave Filoni was taking more of a big picture role and was developing the next Star Wars animated series.  I'm wondering if we'll see some hints of that or if it's still too early in the development process to show anything?
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Ben on March 31, 2017, 04:58 PM
Glad to hear that they might slow from the yearly release schedule soon. I'm not sure the brand, or more accurately, the licensees, can handle half their stock going to clearance every year.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Nicklab on March 31, 2017, 06:14 PM
Licensed merchandise does seem to go hand in hand with Star Wars, doesn't it?  Gary Kurtz said as much way back when.  And George was very forward thinking when he made sure that he had all of the merchandising rights.  He must have made more money on that than the box office returns.
Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: JediJman on April 4, 2017, 12:32 PM
Absolutely.  This article (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/05/04/look-at-the-size-of-that-thing-how-star-wars-makes-its-billions/) from about a year ago has some interesting numbers to compare against:

$4.5b - Star Wars movie ticket sales
$6.6b - Star Wars home movies & games
$32b - Star Wars merchandising


Title: Re: Disney Buys LFL
Post by: Jeff on May 25, 2017, 12:19 PM
Kathleen Kennedy on Carrie Fisher’s Death and the Future of Star Wars (http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/05/kathleen-kennedy-on-the-future-of-star-wars)

"But what exactly is the story we feel is important to tell beyond Episode IX—I think we have to answer that before we know whether we’re going to carry on." - KK