Disney is the proud new owner of the Star Wars franchise, having paid just over US$4 billion in a stock-and-cash deal for Lucasfilm, the company that introduced the world to Darth Vader, Han Solo and an extensive cast of unforgettable characters.

Disney said it plans to release a new Star Wars film every two to three years starting with Episode 7 in 2015. George Lucas will remain on board as a creative consultant.

Disney will pay roughly half of the purchase price with cash and the rest by issuing 40 million shares of stock.