After Disney has extended CEO Bob Iger’s contract by a year, the executive has revealed the company’s plans for one of its biggest franchises, and he also gave a few hints about a much-anticipated spinoff.
During a talk at the University of Southern California, Iger said (via The Hollywood Reporter) that after “Star Wars Episode IX,” it’s likely that there “could be another decade-and-a-half of Star Wars stories.”
This year will make the release of the franchise’s eighth film, titled “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” which is the second film in the Skywalker saga. Based on the 66-year-old’s statement, it’s likely that other sagas will focus on other “Star Wars” main characters.
The CEO also revealed that “The Last Jedi” will not be changed in the wake of star Carrie Fisher’s death. The actress played Princess Leia in the original trilogy, as well as in 2015’s “The Force Awakens.” She has finished filming her scenes for “The Last Jedi” before she passed away.
Iger said that when Disney bought Lucasfilms, they planned to make three films—Episodes VII, VIII, and IX.
“We had to deal with tragedy at the end of 2016,” said Iger. “Carrie appears through VIII. We are not changing VIII to deal with her passing. Her performance remains as it is in VIII.”
The CEO also said that unlike in last year’s “Rogue One,” wherein they had a digital character playing Princess Leia, they will not be doing that to Fisher in the upcoming “Star Wars” films.
As for the new Han Solo film, Iger said that the movie will span the Millennium Falcon’s pilot’s years from 18 to 24. Han Solo was played by Harrison Ford in the original “Star Wars” films and will be played by Alden Ehrenreich in the spinoff. According to the CEO, Han will be meeting Chewbacca and will be seen finding his iconic ship in the upcoming movie.
As for his plans, Iger said that he is leaving his CEO post in mid-2019. According to Deadline, Disney has yet to designate an heir apparent following COO Tom Stagg’s departure last year.
Just like other industry leaders, Iger is also rumored to run in the 2020 presidential elections. But the executive said that he’s “not thinking much about it.”
“There’s a whole world to enjoy,” he added.
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