Disney acquires Lucasfilm

When I saw the first tweet pop up, I shrugged it off as some kind of joke.

There's going to be a Star Wars Episode 7. The lights just went out on your childhood.

Then more appeared, and soon after it was confirmed.

Breaking: Disney acquiring Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion; deal will give Disney ownership of the "Star Wars" franchise, more.

Unbelievable.

In short, I love the Star Wars films. Like almost every other American boy who grew up in the '80s, I always have. And I pray that Disney doesn't scar the franchise.

I also hope the new films build on the heritage and stories of the previous six films. Some appearances by the original actors would be awesome. ... I wince at the reports of Disney making the films with entirely new storylines.

All we can do now is hold our breath for 2015. ... As always, EW has it t covered and is all over the speculation game.

(Updated 2.22.2013) Good reads ...
a The Paste Guide to Star Wars VII Rumors
a Harrison Ford open to idea of Han Solo role
a Mark Hamill Reacts to Star Wars VII
a Mark Hamill weighs in on the future of 'Star Wars'
a Carrie Fisher Wants to be in Star Wars: Episode VII
a Who should direct new 'Star Wars' movie? Christopher Nolan? Joss Whedon? J.J. Abrams?
a 'Star Wars' sequels: Think of the children
a ‘Star Wars’ flashback: Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia audition tape
a George Lucas Talks Future of 'Star Wars' and Lucasfilm
a Mark Hamill on 'Star Wars: Episode VII': 'They're talking to us'