Walt Disney has entered a deal with George Lucas to buy out Lucas Films, Skywalker Sound, and Industrial Light and Magic, which includes property rights for Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. Lucas will reportedly be receiving about half of the $4.05 billion value of the deal in cash, plus 40 million stock shares. TheStar Wars franchise however appears to be at the heart of the deal for Disney, as they soon announced plans to release a new Star Wars film in 2015, followed by a new release every other year.
During a investors’ investment call, Disney outlined its plans for the Star Wars franchise that include video games focused on mobile and social gaming markets, licensing to other game developers, Star Wars themed attractions at Disney owned resorts and parks, and something on Disney XD TV channel. Meanwhile, Disney will be putting the Indiana Jones franchise on the back burner, featuring potential hurdles with the franchise distributor Paramount.