The Force is now with the house the mouse built and that means 2015 will see the first of many Disneyfied Star Wars reboots.

Someone call Hayden Christensen and tell him that his career has suddenly been taken off hold.

How many of you suckers actually believed that Episode 3 would ring down the curtain on Lucas' license to print money? For years he vowed there would never be another Star Wars sequel. In a 1997 issue of the Star Wars Insider (I subscribe), Lucas said "[The whole story has] six episodes....If I ever went beyond that, it would be something that was made up. I really don't have any notion other than 'Gee, it would be interesting to do Luke Skywalker later on.' It wouldn't be part of the main story, but a sequel to this thing."

Two years later Lucas told Vanity Fair there were never any plans to make nine Star Wars movies. "When you see it in six parts, you'll understand", Lucas said at the time. "It really ends at part six." When asked about the possibility of someone else taking over the film franchise, Lucas said "Probably not, it's my thing."

What a difference thirteen years and the conspicuous absence of a box office hit makes. It's still his thing, only now it can be bought by the highest bidder. Someone should have informed George that the studio forked over more money when they took control of Pixar.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/oct/30/34658/

"Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas," said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. (Didn't Iger see Red Tails?) "This transaction combines a world-class portfolio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney's unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets to generate sustained growth and drive significant long-term value."

"It's now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers," said Lucas before bouncing off the walls and screaming "Hoo-hoo! Hoo-hoo! I'm richer! I'm richer!" Wait a minute. That's Daffy Duck. Oops, wrong studio.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/oct/30/34662/

According to the studio press release, "Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Lucasfilm, a leader in entertainment, innovation and technology, including its massively popular and 'evergreen' Star Wars franchise and its operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production. Disney will also acquire the substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that have kept audiences enthralled for many years. Lucasfilm, headquartered in San Francisco, operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, and the present intent is for Lucasfilm employees to remain in their current locations."

"Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing."

Can't wait for Disney to buy out Toys 'R Us and install kiosks in every multiplex in America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyqlTi7lkhY&feature=player_embedded