What’s more, Disney has indicated that there will be more to follow. According to the press release from Disney’s chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger, there is “substantial pent up demand” for a new “Star Wars” movie. “In 2015, we’re planning to release Star Wars Episode 7 – the first feature film under the ‘Disney-Lucasfilm’ brand.” Iger continued saying, “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.”
In answer to some of the most immediate questions surrounding the production of the next film in the Star Wars franchise, Kathleen Kennedy, the current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm and will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars Episode 7 and other films. The press release also indicated that George Lucas will serve as creative consultant on the films.
Disney has already made Star Wars part of the attractions at its Disney Hollywood Studios theme parks. According to senior executive vice president and CFO Jay Rasulo, Disney plans to expand on this saying, “We also expect to utilize Star Wars in other businesses including Parks & Resorts, in games and in our television business.”