We understand the mixed feelings about Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm. Here's why George Lucas decided to do it:

For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next. 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.

Here's the video.

Run, don't walk to this hilarious (and deeply concerning) series of fake Facebook updates from George Lucas as he developed his concepts for the Star Wars prequels and Indiana Jones 4.

Storm Troopers on their day off. Or, as George Lucas calls it, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope X-Treme. Scratch that, let's not plant the seed in Lucas' mind.

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From the makers of The People vs. George Lucas comes a new documentary on the zombie culture phenomenon -- Doc of the Dead.

The project will feature involvement from Simon Pegg and George A. Romero, as well as filmed fictional segments from Red Letter Media (The Phantom Menace Review) and Geekscape.

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George Lucas was apparently serious when he announced earlier this year that he plans to retire from blockbusters and make only small art-house films. Lucas has named producer Kathleen Kennedy (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) co-chair of Lucasfilm, preparing for his eventual transition away of the company he created.

"I've spent my life building Lucasfilm, and as I shift my focus into other directions, I wanted to make sure it was in the hands of someone equipped to carry my vision into the future," Lucas said in a statement.

For now, the 58-year-old Lucas remains as the CEO and one of the co-chairs of the company.

Kennedy said she was honored by the promotion, and described Lucas, who will work with her for the next year or two before stepping down, as her Yoda.

[toplessrobot / nydn.]