First thread is almost at post limit, so here's number 2. I still can't believe this bombshell!

Thread 1: http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1420106-disney-acquires-lucasfilms-and-announces-star-wars-episode-vii-for-2015/

Original article: http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/30/the-walt-disney-company-acquires-lucasfilm-star-wars-episode-vii-set-for-2015

Disney has also announced that after VII that VIII and IX will follow "every other year." Also, all future Star Wars TV programming will air on Disney XD.

Considering all the great stuff Disney's done recently, that sounds like it might be good... but now I'm worried this'll ruin what little chance there already was for a sequel to John Carter.

I don't think they were really as bad as people make them out to be. The prequel trilogy didn't live up to the original trilogy, but when you compare them to other sci-fi and fantasy films released in the last decade the prequels were pretty average, and honestly I'd rather watch even The Phantom Menace than Sam Raimi's Spiderman trilogy, Transformers, or Avatar.

Regardless I'll be keeping an eye on this project, I'm interested in seeing where Disney and LucasFilm take Star Wars from here. I'm also interested in seeing if they choose to stay true to or ignore the EU, personally I'm of the opinion that they should ignore it. From what I've heard it sounds like the EU has become much too convoluted, and there's way too much baggage attached to the Skywalkers and Solos (should the films choose to focus on them again) that most movie goers who have little to no experience with the EU would know nothing about. My only real exposure to the EU is the video games, and based on what little I do know about where the EU writers have taken the story I'd certainly be lost.

Well this is only focusing on the stories with the cast from the movies, there are many EU books where none of them make an appearance.

People, people, I dont see what you have against disney? They have made plenty of dark movies....

2 words, Ewok Musical.

Also, I have to agree that the prequels aren't as bad as people make them out to be believed. The first movie brought Star Wars into the new age of cinema, and really helped to augment it. There were downsides with anakin being a whiny kid, that pod race thing, and such, but we can't forget the awesome lightsaber action of Darth Maul. However, we did get the awful second prequel and the semi-decent third one. Robot Chicken definitely took liberties and made the two prequels better than they were on their own.

Think ol' George is laughing his way to the bank after offloading things onto Disney. I'll admit that Disney has a decent way with films, but SW is especially touchy. Going to be PO'd if Disney tries to put their subliminal "mickey mouse icon" into shots.

I didn't actually hate the prequels, though Ep 1 could have done with a bit of a rewrite (and I thought the podrace was cool).


But I think it's entirely possible that the films could benefit from not having Lucas's overbearing personality and unimpeachable judgment present. He had barely anything to do with ESB, and that was the best one of the six.

See, I don't understand why ESB was the "best one" of the three movies. It just doesn't strike me as a superlative movie like others describe it to be. Found the first movie to be the best one since it introduced everything and you get those awe inspiring scenes. Think the music playing in the background while Luke stares off into the distant horizon at the setting suns is pretty sweet. It seems cliche now, but it really has that unique finesse that is hard to find in other movies. Don't think Lucas is a bad director/story writer, but he does have some ideas which are better left on the cutting room floor.

Think the biggest problem many had with the prequels was the "midiclorian" thing that was used to describe the force. May not have been the best idea to have a "gauge" to determine a Jedi's power and instead let other Jedi feel each others powers.

So disneyworld is going to get more than just Star Tours. And Disneyland Paris is already having plans to open a star wars land in 2015(before disney even bought lucasfilms)

Also, since Disney also owns Marvel, does this mean that Marvel will publish Star Wars comics now. If so, The Jedi can be in the Avengers 2

The biggest problem I had with the prequels was that Anakin Skywalker was a sniveling, spoiled, narcissistic punk, and George Lucas declared that the Star Wars saga was going to be that punk's story. He was the least likeable protagonist since Michael Rooker played Henry. It might have been better if we weren't expected to sympathise with him. This wasn't "Anakin: Portrait of a Serial Killer". We were supposed to buy him as a hero. I may be one of the few viewers who thought Anakin was more likeable in Episode I.

Then there was the painful romance in Episode II. Anakin is an unappealing hero, but an even less appealing romantic lead, especially one who delivers dialogue written by George Lucas.

As such, I can't help but feel the Star Wars franchise can only improve in the hands of Disney, only by virtue of having no Anakin.

The prequels had some fun action scenes, if CGI-action is appealing. But as a whole, I didn't like the prequels much. I wouldn't say I loathed them or anything, but they certainly didn't inspire any feelings other than "sigh."

I can certainly see a small potential for all the stars aligning and somehow a great SW film is once again put forth ... because, y'know, over time, sometimes luck just happens if you persist with a franchise long enough ... but I won't be holding my breath.

I remember my English teacher referring to him as Mannequin Skywalker, in reference to his complete lack of emotion in the films.

I have a brilliant memory of my grade 12 Film Studies teacher saying to the whole class, "that was some seriously god awful acting by that kid*".

*Little Orphan Annie

I thought episode three was amazing, not so much with episode 1 and 2 though...

Here's how I rate the prequels

PM: Meh its alright but not particularly memorable. Its my least favorite Star Wars movie.
AoTC: Okay I guess, the action scenes (especially the fight between Kenobi and Jango) were awesome. Its the dialogue and its delivery that are the most unremarkable parts of the film. Padme's and Anakin's romance may as well have been pointless filler since the acting and dialogue was so bad.
RotS: The best out of the trilogy imo but only because of that final fight between Vader and Kenobi. That was pretty intense and while the dialogue could've been better the delivery was spot on mainly because it was delivered with some emotion. Kenobi trying to plead with Vader and telling him how he was his brother always gets to me. The fall of the Jedi Order and the Republic are my favorite parts since it was so dark and oppressive in its atmosphere.

Maybe Ep. VII will be good? They could base it off the Thrawn Trilogy (which I heard was excellent).

http://updates.io9.com/post/34708935762/disneys-new-star-wars-movie-will-be-all-original
Well...

Wonder if they will feature the cast of High School Musical...Dog with a blog.

If only one could profit from the tears of nerds...

Hahaha awesome, I'm using that next chance I get. He is why I absolutely LOATHED Episode 2. It's a stinker of a movie in general, not even just as a Star Wars movie. Episode 1 was alright 6/10. Had it's moments and downsides. Episode 3 is actually quite good other than Anakin and a few minor things. Not stellar, but solid 8.5/10.

@Lobo
Awesome, I like that idea very much. Something totally new. It shows they have a respect for the existing framework, but are really wanting to do their own idea. I expect them to not only be invested in this from a monetary stand point, but also for the love of making a movie.

Well with the prequals, Anakin sought help, and only Yoda gave it to him, but obviously it was too late. Everyone else, cept for Padme, either didn't trust this guy, or thought of him as a bit of a fluke over how he came to be in the first place. Anakin didn't get a chance to grow as a Jedi. It was [censored] up how Palaptine went about in acquiring Anakin, but there was no where else the poor man could go. One of the toughest things to battle is the fear of loss and the fallout that ensues when there is loss. This isn't something you can fight on your own.

Speaking of bad actoring. It's one of the many roles Hayden has been getting. Even in the movie Jumper, his role was a bit bad and out shined by the supporting actor. He's got some potential though.. I see it. He just needs much more serious roles.

Hmm, if the scripts are written by lucasarts it might still be okay. Hopefully they make them in the vein of the more serious Revenge of the Sith rather than the Phantom Menace (a film where a song would not have been out of place).

One moment that really stands out as awful to me in Episode 2 is when he starts going on about how he doesn't like sand. That and the cringeworthy scene with him and whatsherface frolicking in the meadows of Naboo.

Mickey looks real smug in that picture. I would replace Vader bowing with Palpatine. Hahaha, I bet Lucas had his decision for selling Star Wars for so low. The man has never been known to be short of business sense. It's a trap! Lol if Star Wars VII tanks so bad that the fanbase boycotts and destroys Disney. It was his plan all along. Muahahah.

Edit
Ughhh yes those are both bad moments.

What the [censored] is going on here? I go off grid thanks to Sandy and Disney buys Lucasfilm and announces new movies? I find service for my phone only to get a tweet with this news?

So, what happens to CN and the Clone Wars?

I still have no power from Sandy. I don't expect to be officially back online for a month as That's when my power will be restored. NJ is a war zone. But this news is intriguing and I'll check in as often as I can.

Oh dear

As someone who has done acting and worked with a couple bad directors, I'd say the consistently wooden and sterile delivery of lines in the prequel films leaves little doubt as to who is to blame. It can only be Lucas's direction, and the flat delivery is a deliberate homage to 40's serials. It might sound good on paper, but in practice, it is ugly to behold (unless intentionally used for comedic effect).

Some directors give their actors very little in the way of direction, and certain actors flourish under those circumstances. Other actors need some direction to be at their best (I am one). But the worst kind of director is the director who gives bad direction to his actors, and this is Lucas in spades. It's better to get no direction than bad direction.

I haven't seen much of Hayden Christensen, but I have no doubt that he, and everyone else in the Star Wars films, is capable of much, much better than those films would lead one to believe.

Jake Lloyd get's a lot of flack for his performance as young Anakin, but look at the performances of the advlt actors. Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman... these actors have shown in other films that they are better than this. If Lucas's direction caused those actors to give lifeless, flat performances, what chance did poor little Jake Lloyd have?

Thus, if this Disney buy-out means that Lucas will not be directing, then the Star Wars films can only get better. I honestly do not see how they could get worse.