Disney to ramp up Stars Wars TV series following Lucasfilm acquisition

Disney is to produce a number of new Star Wars television series following its US$4 billion acquisition of George Lucas’ Lucasfilm.

The Hollywood studio announced the acquisition of the company yesterday and will produce three new Star Wars feature films – Episodes seven through nine – starting in 2015.

However, it will also ramp up its television business. Currently Lucasfilm produces Star Wars: The Clone Wars for Turner-owned kids network Cartoon Network. It is likely that any future kids series will air on Disney XD and the company is also considering live action television spin-offs.

“We really like Star Wars’ potential on TV, and Disney XD would be a great home for that,” said Disney chairman and chief executive. “There will be more feature films as well as consumer products, television projects, games and theme parks attractions.”

Kathleen Kennedy will become president of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.

“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” added Star Wars creator George Lucas. “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. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”