A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…well, more like thirty five years ago, Star Wars, the greatest sci-fi action saga of the entertainment industry was born. Being a production that spanned throughout the next twenty-eight years, generations past and present know and love this timeless series of jedi, droids, humanoid creatures, and epic intergalactic battlefronts. Surely many thought the 2005 installment, Revenge of the Sith, put this series to rest once and for all. But with Disney’s newest acquisition of Lucasfilm, the empire will strike back so to speak.
George Lucas, the famed name behind the franchise, is retiring from producing and directing. Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm with a new merger that will add episodes seven, eight, and nine to the original series. The first is intended to release in 2015 and, much like the initial productions; new films will be released every two or three years. Kathleen Kennedy, seasoned producer and now co-chairman of Lucasfilm will make the newcoming movies. Lucas will serve as a creative consultant on the projects.
Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith will return to theatres for a short run next fall, converted to three-dimensional pictures. Also anticipate the force to be even stronger in the Mouse House as they plan to incorporate Star Wars into their parks, tv syndicates, and games as well. What has Lucas to say about this new hope that’s rising for Star Wars? He seems to look forward to its future. “For the past thirty five years,” he says, “one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next. It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime.”
So, the Star Wars legacy is about to continue on! I, along with many other fans may question its new continuity. But much like we surely experienced, the generations of Star Wars lovers will bond through embracing its future and remembering its past. It will be interesting to see what more can happen a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.