The Walt Disney Company bought the Star Wars franchise (and its parent company, Lucasfilm) from George Lucas on October 30, 2012, for approximately $4.05 billion. The deal was a mix of cash and Disney stock, making George Lucas one of the company's largest individual shareholders. In 2026, this acquisition is viewed as one of the most successful in entertainment history, as Disney has since expanded the universe through a new trilogy, standalone films, and high-budget Disney+ series like The Mandalorian. This purchase gave Disney full control over the "mythology" of Star Wars, allowing them to integrate the brand into their theme parks via "Galaxy's Edge" and creating a continuous stream of content that has redefined the franchise for a new generation of fans.