Lucasfilm Ends Production on Cartoon Network's 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'

Lucasfilm announced today that production on Star Wars: The Clone Wars will be discontinued, having run on Cartoon Network for five seasons. When Disney purchased Star Wars from George Lucas, it was widely assumed that the CGI show's days on Cartoon Network were numbered, and would eventually switch to air on Disney XD instead. The announced actual end, or 'winding down' of the show does come somewhat as a surprise, though as stated in the press and video release, there is still a future planned for the characters, story arcs and completed animation they already have in the can. Additionally, Lucasfilm Animation has plans for a new series set in a yet untouched time frame in the Star Wars universe.

Lucasfilm is evidently putting all its resources to production on the next wave of Star Wars films, the first being Episode VII targeted to hit theaters in 2015 under the direction of J.J. Abrams. Disney axed the scheduled conversions and re-releases of Episodes II-VI in 3D and now the Lucasfilm animation department will also adjust its workload accordingly. This could mean that characters introduced in The Clone Wars series could potentially pop up in the next trilogy or could be groomed for separate spin-offs.

The recent Clone Wars fifth season finale left an uncertain, yet unexpected open door future for Anakin Skywalker's Jedi Padawan Ohsoka Tano, who would be an ideal popular character to use in the future to target the female demographic. Since all of the Jedi Knights except Obi Wan Kenobi and Yoda have perished by the time Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope rolls around, Ohsoka's unaddressed final fate (as of now) leaves her free to possibly join in other adventures.

At the end of the video below, a teaser clip is included for what is still to come. Work on the series had obviously been well in place by the time Disney acquired Lucasfilm much less the decision to end the series. The action packed clip foreshadows Emperor Palpatine's Order 66 from Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, which put in motion the Clone Troopers planned annihilation of the Jedi.

Here is the full press release from StarWars.com

"As we enter into an exciting new era focused on the next Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm has decided to pursue a new direction in animated programming. We are exploring a whole new Star Wars series set in a time period previously untouched in Star Wars films or television programming. You can expect more details in the months to come.
As part of this shift, we have also made some key decisions affecting Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Detours. 

After five highly successful and critically acclaimed seasons of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, we feel the time has come to wind down the series. While the studio is no longer producing new episodes for Cartoon Network, we're continuing production on new Clone Wars story arcs that promise to be some of the most thrilling adventures ever seen. Stay tuned for more information on where fans can soon find this bonus content. In the video below, Supervising Director Dave Filoni offers a peek of what is to come in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. 

At Star Wars Celebration VI last year, George Lucas gave fans a glimpse at the animated comedy series Star Wars Detours from Seth Green, Matthew Senreich, and Todd Grimes. Detours was conceived and produced before we decided to move forward with the new Star Wars trilogy, and in the wake of that decision, Lucasfilm has reconsidered whether launching an animated comedy prior to the launch of Episode VII makes sense. As a result, we've decided to postpone the release of Detours until a later date."

SOURCE: StarWars.com

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J.J. Abrams To Direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII,' On Deck To Become The Most Powerful Force In Sci-Fi

If you look forward to your lightsabers served with heavy dose of lens flare, we've got some damn exciting news for you. That Death Star worthy explosion you heard on the internet this afternoon can be traced back to the news that the search for the director of Star Wars: Episode VII appears to be over.

According to multiple sources, J.J. Abrams is now poised to become the most powerful man in science fiction by adding Star Wars to his Geek God resume, apparently because Star Trek, Lost, Fringe, Mission: Impossible, and Alias, just weren't enough.

The Wrap broke the news earlier today that the prolific director, writer and producer had secured the highly sought-after job, citing a source "with knowledge of the production." While The Hollywood Reporter pinpoints Abrams in "late stage talks" for the gig, Deadline has him locked in. "It's a done deal with J.J.," their source says.

The Star Trek helmer, who took himself out of the running whenever asked, was pursued by new Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy, who obviously had a big influence in changing his mind. In November, Abrams had this to say about the chance to tackle the next chapter in the Star Wars saga, the first of Disney's three planned sequels to 1983's Episode VI: Return of the Jedi:

"Look, Star Wars is one of my favorite movies of all time. I frankly feel that – I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series. I was never a big Star Trek fan growing up, so for me, working on Star Trek didn’t have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more than anyone to the next iterations of Star Wars, but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!”

To further add to the unexpected nature of today's news, Abrams told Empire Magazine that he actually turned down the job early on.

"There were the very early conversations and I quickly said that because of my loyalty to Star Trek, and also just being a fan, I wouldn't even want to be involved in the next version of those things. I declined any involvement very early on. I'd rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming, rather than being involved in the minutiae of making them."

Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm last October and simultaneously announced that Episode VII was targeted for 2015, numerous A-List directors all across Hollywood have been appropriately grilled if they would be up for the task, from Steven Spielberg, Joss Whedon, Jon Faverau, Brad Bird, David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino to yes, J.J Abrams. I even asked Peter Jackson at the junket for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey if he was either interested or available. Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) had been gaining the most speed recently in the rumor race to the coveted director's chair, having abruptly dropped out of directing X-Men: Days of Future Past. TheWrap also reports that Ben Affleck, currently riding high on Argo and was high on WB's list for Man of Steel, had nearly made it to finish line.

However, just to put this in perspective:

THERE HAS BEEN NO OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT (YET) FROM LUCASFILM ON WHO WILL DIRECT EPISODE VII.

Despite the zillions of rumors that have surfaced in the last few months, the only thing that Lucasfilm has officially confirmed regarding Episode VII (besides that they are actually making the movie) is Academy Award Winning and Toy Story 3 screenwriter Michael Arndt is penning the script.

Yes in interviews Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford have all expressed interest in reprising their iconic roles. And by setting the film AFTER Return of the Jedi, we could (and should) assume there is a place for them to appear in the logical progression of the series' storyline, but there has been virtually nothing confirmed beyond the identity of the screenwriter.

Abrams is currently in the home stretch with his remaining production duties on Star Trek Into Darkness, the sequel to his blockbuster 2009 reboot of the Star Trek franchise, which is set for release on May 17th. He would most likely need to dive right into pre-production on Star Wars, which would hopefully include booking lavish lunches with Hamill, Fisher and Ford.

It also begs the question of whom Abrams may bring to Star Wars from the top notch casts of his previous series'. Alias? Fringe? Lost? Felicity?? Keri Russell appeared in Mission: Impossible 3, and Alias' Rachel Nichols and Victor Garber both found their way into Star Trek.

Though if this all pans out, there is much excitement to be had in anticipating the first picture from the set of Mark Hamill as an elder Jedi Master, lightsaber in hand, being directed by J.J. Abrams...

Story developing, as it will every single day until the film hits theaters...

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The Circle Is Complete, Carrie Fisher Wants In For Next 'Star Wars' Trilogy

So we've heard sorta rumblings from Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford regarding their reactions for a return in Star Wars: Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. Last in line to complete the SW Trinity reunion is Carrie Fisher.

OK, not to slight Chewbacca, C-3P0, and R2-D2 on this, but Peter Mayhew reprised his role as the iconic Wookie in Episode III, and Anthony Daniels has been actively portraying C-3P0 in various forms since 1977. Original Trilogy fans are ecstatic at the possibility of finally seeing Luke, Han, and Leia back on the big screen together thirty years after Return of the Jedi, wrinkles and all.

TMZ caught up with our Princess Leia at LAX (caught up with as in stuck a camera in her face), and let loose with their form of assault 'journalism.'  The good news for us is they went right for the Star Wars jugular.

When asked how she felt that Leia is now a Disney Princess, she answered, "Fantastic. Made my day."

As far her response to if she wants to appear in the new Star Wars movie, Episode VII, "Yes, sure. Wouldn't you?" That'a a big 'yes' in my book, knowing she is sworn to secrecy to whatever she knows so far.

Although Mark Hamill revealed to Entertaiment Weekly that he and Fisher met with George Lucas last summer, and the sequel trilogy was indeed discussed, this is the first we have heard from her regarding anything to do with the new films since Disney bought Lucasfilm last week.

Good work TMZ, journalistic integrity be damned.

SOURCE: TMZ

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Mark Hamill Has Discussed New 'Star Wars' Trilogy With George Lucas and Carrie Fisher

Entertainment Weekly caught up with Mark Hamill for his thoughts on the new future of Star Wars as part of the Disney Empire. While he does not know much about the grand plans that lie ahead, what is extremely interesting (and encouraging) is his revelation that he and Carrie Fisher had lunch with George Lucas last summer and discussed  Episodes VII, VIII, and IX.

Here is what Hamill had to say regarding Lucasfilm's purchase by Disney on Monday:

"I had no idea that George was going to sell to Disney until I read it online like everybody else. He did tell us last summer about wanting to go on and do [Episodes] VII, VIII, and IX, and that [newly appointed Lucasfilm president] Kathleen Kennedy would be doing them. He seems to be in a really good place. He’s really happy. And that’s nice because I know that when we were making the movies, he was not a jolly guy on set. [Laughs] I always felt badly for him because he agonizes over details, and I’m sure after imagining it in his head for so many years, to see it realized — he’d look up and just hang his head and groan. Harrison [Ford], Carrie [Fisher], and I were always trying to cheer him up and joke him out of his doom and gloom. I missed his call yesterday, but I spoke to him maybe three weeks ago. But until we know more, it’s hard to make any comment other than congratulations to George."

Hamill reveals that Lucas has been mapping out the path for the third Star Wars trilogy for some time (besides the fact that detailed story treatments have been written),  and has discussed it with both him and his former co-star Carrie Fisher:

Yeah, last August, he asked Carrie and I to have lunch with him and we did. I thought he was going to talk about either his retirement or the Star Wars TV series that I’ve heard about — which I don’t think we were going to be involved in anyway, because that takes place between the prequels and the ones we were in and, if Luke were in them, he’d be anywhere from a toddler to a teenager so they’d get an age-appropriate actor — or the 3-D releases. So when he said, “We decided we’re going to do Episodes VII, VIII, and IX,” I was just gobsmacked. “What? Are you nuts?!” [Laughs] I can see both sides of it. Because in a way, there was a beginning, a middle, and an end and we all lived happily ever after and that’s the way it should be — and it’s great that people have fond memories, if they do have fond memories. But on the other hand, there’s this ravenous desire on the part of the true believers to have more and more and more material. It’s one of those things: people either just don’t care for it or are passionate about it. I guess that defines what cult movies are all about. We’ll see. I’m anxious to know what’s going on, but the main story [yesterday] was the sale to Disney. I have mixed feelings about that, but they haven’t done badly by Marvel and the Muppets and Pixar. It’s one of those big decisions that at first seems unusual but then the more you look at it, the more it makes sense."

Hamill doesn't have much to reveal about the newer films, and even though at the time he was sworn to secrecy, hopefully will have more to share in the coming months.

"Well, no, he was just talking about writers and the fact that he wouldn’t be directing. I guess he wanted us to know before everybody else knew. He said, “Now you can’t tell anybody!” [Laughs] Even now I’m nervous about saying anything. I just don’t know!"

SOURCE: Entertainment Weekly

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Disney Buys Lucasfilm For $4.05 Billion... Sets 'Star Wars: Episode VII' For 2015

In a surprise announcement by Disney, the House Of Mouse acquired Lucasfilm for $4.05 Billion, encompassing all of its properties, Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound. The deal also obviously includes the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. Under the new regime, a slate of Star Wars features will be produced. "Star Wars Episode 7" has been announced, with a targeted 2015 release.

With the title "Episode 7," it is implied, if not assumed that the next film would take place chronologically after 1983's Return of The Jedi. Do you hear that Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford?? The prospect of Mark Hamill returning as an elder Luke Skywalker, by this time a Master Jedi Knight, is extremely exciting to any Star Wars fan. Lucas in fact revealed today he has story treatments for an entire new trilogy, now in development with Kathleen Kennedy serving as Executive Producer.

"For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next," said George Lucas in today's press release.

"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," he said.

"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."

With the general disappointment felt by fans regarding the Star Wars prequels, all written and dircted by George Lucas, the fact that he is now stepping aside and letting fresh blood to take the reigns of the franchise may very well be a great thing.

Cartoon Network's animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars is proof positive of the potential an off-shoot series can have when Lucas is not directly steering the ship. With Lucas now in a Creative Consultant role, having new writers and directors in the mix provides exciting potential for the future of the franchise for those of us who have been put off by the last three big screen installments.

"We are absolutely going to make Star Wars movies," said Kathleen Kennedy, co-chair of Lucasfilm, in a video interview.

"We are in the midst of the really fun part of the process which is we are sitting down with a couple of writers and we're starting to discuss ideas and we're starting to talk about what those stories might be," she said.

In the video below, Lucas explains his thoughts behind Star Wars' future with Disney, and reveals he already has story treatments for Episodes VII, VIII, and IX.

Disney also bought Marvel Entertainment in 2009 for $4 Billion, and is in charge of all the big screen Marvel Studios films, which includes The Avengers and all the upcoming Marvel Phase Two films, Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Guardians of the Galaxy. So any initial fear of what Disney may do with Star Wars can be put at ease, they seem to be allowing the proper people to handle these properties.


Highlights from Disney's Press Release:

Burbank, CA and San Francisco, CA, October 30, 2012 – Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas.

"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. "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." 

"For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next," said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. "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." 

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Lucasfilm, a leader in entertainment, innovation and technology, including its massively popular and "evergreen" Star Warsfranchise 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.

Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will serve as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Disney's global lines of business to build, further integrate, and maximize the value of this global franchise. Ms. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future. 

The acquisition combines two highly compatible family entertainment brands, and strengthens the long-standing beneficial relationship between them that already includes successful integration of Star Wars content into Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo. 

Driven by a tremendously talented creative team, Lucasfilm's legendary Star Warsfranchise has flourished for more than 35 years, and offers a virtually limitless universe of characters and stories to drive continued feature film releases and franchise growth over the long term. Star Wars resonates with consumers around the world and creates extensive opportunities for Disney to deliver the content across its diverse portfolio of businesses including movies, television, consumer products, games and theme parks. Star Wars feature films have earned a total of $4.4 billion in global box to date, and continued global demand has made Star Wars one of the world's top product brands, and Lucasfilm a leading product licensor in the United States in 2011. The franchise provides a sustainable source of high quality, branded content with global appeal and is well suited for new business models including digital platforms, putting the acquisition in strong alignment with Disney's strategic priorities for continued long-term growth.

The Lucasfilm acquisition follows Disney's very successful acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel, which demonstrated the company's unique ability to fully develop and expand the financial potential of high quality creative content with compelling characters and storytelling through the application of innovative technology and multiplatform distribution on a truly global basis to create maximum value. Adding Lucasfilm to Disney's portfolio of world class brands significantly enhances the company's ability to serve consumers with a broad variety of the world's highest-quality content and to create additional long-term value for our shareholders.

SOURCE: Disney

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