The Star Warsstoryline might expand even more: ABC is mulling TV shows based on characters from the classic sci-fi franchise. According to Reuters, executives from the network are in talks with George Lucas Lucasfilm studio to bring in new TV shows from the Star Wars universe. Weve started conversations with them, Paul Lee, president of the ABC Entertainment Group, told TV critics yesterday. I have an inkling in my mind, but they have a lot on their plate.
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ABCs parent company Disney purchased Lucasfilm last October for over $4 billion and quickly set to work expanding the franchise. Star Wars: Episode VII, the next entry in the movie series, will start filming next year with an expected 2015 release. Two sequels will follow in 2017 and 2019, and Disney is expected to release stand-alone spin-off films around characters like Yoda, Han Solo or Boba Fett in between episodes of the main series. John Williams will return to compose the score of Episode VII, and J.J. Abrams is on-board as director.
Taking Star Wars to TV would follow a similar strategy from Disney regarding Marvel comics; this fall, ABC will premiere Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, their first network show based on Marvel characters since Disneys purchase of the comic book and film studio in 2009.