Disney has purchased Lucasfilm LTD for $4.05 billion in stocks and cash… and I have never been happier for rich white people. The Mouse House now owns the rights to the Star Wars franchise and has announced plans for a new trilogy in the beloved Saga, starting with Episode VII in 2015.

Most exciting of all is that George Lucas will only serve as a creative consultant on the new films, handing over the reigns to new filmmakers. Lucas will always be a hero to Star Wars fans, but it will be interesting to see what other directors/writers bring to the table, providing we don’t get Brett Ratner or McG.

The new deal also gives Disney ownership of all Star Wars merchandise, the Indiana Jones franchise and the companies LucasArts, Industrial Light + Magic, and Skywalker Sound.

Lucas said in a statement:

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.

Speak Mr. Lucas does: