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Stars and fans react to Star Wars Disney deal

The likes of Ewan McGregor and Mark Hamill speak about the internet-clogging announcement

Actors, directors and 'Star Wars' fans have been jamming the internet with their thoughts and analysis on the news that Disney has bought up Lucasfilm and is planning three new films.

The $4.05 billion deal (£2.5 billion) promises its first 'Star Wars' feature, the seventh in the series, for 2015.

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And those in the movie business appear to be in favour of the move, taking to Twitter to voice their approval.

Self-confessed geek Simon Pegg said: “For the record, I have no problem with Disney, I am a huge fan and I'm sure it's actually good news for Star Wars fans.”

Director Kevin Smith was also in favour, adding on his Facebook page: “I'm all for it. Can't wait to see all the new movies they're gonna make. The 7 year old Kev who saw STAR WARS during its initial release in 1977 is finally gonna get all 9 STAR WARS movies he was promised back then. I'll be first in line to pay for whatever they do.”



But what of those previously involved in the George Lucas universe?

Ewan McGregor, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in all three of the prequel trilogy films, was congratulatory, saying: “Disney have bought Lucasfilm and are planning on releasing Star Wars ep 7 in 2015!! Congrats George and best of luck with whatever is next.”

Peter Mayhew, the giant actor who played Chewbacca, was also positive about the move. “I've always liked that Mouse, and I'm looking forward to all the exciting possibilities this brings to the Star Wars Universe,” he tweeted.

But Luke Skywalker himself Mark Hamill was marginally less committal, saying: “Congratulations to George for today's mega-deal! Can't comment on Ep 7 before I have all the facts which are short supply right now – Patience.”

Meanwhile, 'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane was predictably dry about the news.

“Looking forward to seeing what exciting new Star Wars adventures will be cooked up by the dream factory that brought us Mars Needs Moms!” he said.

He also responded to a fan tweet on the likelihood of using the sci-fi classic again in the future, as with his 'Laugh It Up, Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy' animated re-imaginings of the original films.

“RT @TuesdaySwimGuy: WAIT! Since Star Wars was sold to Disney, does that mean no more family guy usage of it? // Alas, I'd bet money on it,” he replied.

Meanwhile, fans also appear to be cautiously pleased about the news. James Burns of fansite Jedi News told BBC News: “If you look at what Disney has done with Marvel and with Pixar, they've done an amazing job with those franchises.

“If you take a step back and look at it overall, I think what we're going to see is some amazing new films. I'm really excited about what we're going to be seeing in 2015.”