Lucas to give 'majority' of money from Disney deal to charity

George Lucas is planning to give most of the money that he's made from 'Star Wars' and his recent deal with Disney to charity.

Though the deal isn't yet complete, he's expected to get just over $4 billion (£2.47 billion) once it's sealed by the end of the year, and since he owns the company outright, he will be getting the cash.

[Related story: Stars and fans react to Star Wars Disney deal]
[Related story: Disney buys Star Wars studio]

“George Lucas has expressed his intention, in the event the deal closes, to donate the majority of the proceeds to his philanthropic endeavours,” a spokesperson for Lucasfilm told The Hollywood Reporter.

Lucas has supported many charities in his time, and is currently the chairman of education charity Edutopia which could well be among the recipients of the windfall.

He gave a whopping $175 million (£108 million) to his former university USC in 2006, and has contributed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer.

“For 41 years, the majority of my time and money has been put into the company,” said Lucas. “As I start a new chapter in my life, it is gratifying that I have the opportunity to devote more time and resources to philanthropy.”

The move supports a pledge Lucas made in 2010, before the blockbusting deal with Disney was made.

“I am dedicating the majority of my wealth to improving education,” he said. “It is the key to the survival of the human race. We have to plan for our collective future - and the first step begins with social, emotional, and intellectual tools we provide to our children.

"As humans, our greatest tool for survival is our ability to think and to adapt - as educators, storytellers, and communicators our responsibility is to continue to do so.”