Why George Lucas Sold Lucasfilm to Disney
On February 10, 2012, George Lucas, the visionary creator of the Star Wars franchise, sold his company Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company for approximately $4.05 billion. This monumental decision, marked a significant chapter in the history of one of the most beloved film IPs in the world. Here, we delve into the key reasons behind George Lucas's decision to sell Lucasfilm and how it shaped the future of the Star Wars saga.
Retirement Plans
One of the primary reasons for the sale of Lucasfilm was George Lucas's desire to retire from the demanding role of running a large studio. In his own words, he was considering taking on the next trilogy, which would have taken another decade. By 2012, he was 69 years old and mulling over whether he wanted to keep working on the Star Wars saga for the rest of his life. With a daughter on the way, he felt it was time to shift his focus from filmmaking to family life. Lucas explained:
“In 2012, I was 69. So the question was, 'Am I going to keep doing this for the rest of my life? Do I want to go through this again?' Finally, I decided I'd rather raise my daughter and enjoy life for a while.”
The Future of Star Wars
Another significant factor in Lucas's decision was his desire to ensure the continued success and evolution of the Star Wars franchise. Lucas believed that The Walt Disney Company, with its extensive expertise in franchise management and entertainment, was better positioned to take the series in new and exciting directions. His vision for the franchise needed to be passed on to a company that could foster its growth and maintain its impact in the ever-evolving landscape of popular culture.
Creative Control
After completing the Star Wars prequel trilogy, George Lucas felt he had told the story he wanted to tell. The next step, he believed, was to hand over creative control to others. While he had started the next trilogy, he knew the process would be arduous. For Lucas, this was a pivotal moment—the culmination of a long career dedicated to one of the most iconic franchises ever created. As he said, 'I had already made plans for the sequel trilogy and had spoken to actors about it. But at the same time, I was about to have my daughter Everest with wife Mellody Hobson.'
Financial Considerations
The substantial financial benefits of selling Lucasfilm to Disney were also a crucial factor in Lucas's decision. The acquisition provided him with the means to focus on personal projects and new interests, such as independent filmmaking and building a museum that he had long wanted to create. For Lucas, the sale allowed him the flexibility to pursue other artistic endeavors and ensure his legacy in a different way.
The Aftermath: Development and Revitalization
The acquisition by Disney has since led to the development of new Star Wars films and television series, significantly revitalizing the franchise. As Paul Duncan, a Star Wars author, explained, 'Gurzo had already made plans for the sequel trilogy and had spoken to actors about it. But at the same time, he was about to have his daughter Everest with wife Mellody Hobson.' Duncan's insights provided a deeper understanding of Lucas's motivations:
'I could have not sold LucasFilm and gotten somebody to run the productions, but that's not retiring. On The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, I tried to stay out of the way, but I couldn't. I was there every day. Even though the people were friends of mine and they did great work, it wasn't the same as me doing it. It was like being once removed. I knew that probably wouldn't work again. I would be frustrated. I'm one of those micromanager guys, and I can't help it. So I figured I would forgo that, enjoy what I had, and I was looking forward to raising my daughter. Also, I wanted to build a museum which I had always wanted to do, so I was thinking, "If I don't do this now, I'll never get that done."'
Lucas had spent 40 years creating Star Wars and giving it up was 'very, very painful. But it was the right thing to do.' He went on to say, 'They decided they wanted to do something else. Sometimes things don't work out the way you want them to. Life is like that.'
Conclusion
The sale of Lucasfilm to Disney was a complex decision driven by a myriad of personal, professional, and financial considerations. For George Lucas, it allowed him to achieve a balance between his artistic pursuits and his newfound role as a father. The acquisition by Disney has ensured the continued evolution of the Star Wars franchise, preserving the legacy of a true visionary in the world of film and entertainment.