Robert Rodriguez, director of Sin City, Machete and the Spy Kids franchises, to EW:
"What an amazing world and legacy George Lucas has created — and it needs to continue in capable hands,” the Texas-based filmmaker said. “I do think Disney is the best studio for the job and the fact that they brought in Kathleen Kennedy? I can’t imagine a better scenario. And 2015 can’t get here fast enough."
Mark Millar, comic book creator (Kick-Ass) and now Marvel consultant for Fox, on his blog and Twitter:
"Exciting to hear that Disney just bought Lucasfilm. This could mean the Star Wars/ Black Hole crossover flick I've always dreamed of...
I'm actually pleased about Disney buying Star Wars. Eps 7-9 by 3 new directors is an exciting prospect. I read as a kid 9 were planned.
Imagine Episodes 7-9 written by Lindelof & Darabont, directed by 3 of best directors today. Star Wars would reclaim throne overnight.
To Star Wars worriers: These will be as good as the writers & directors and Disney have done right by us with Marvel & Pixar. Relax :)
The last word on my Star Wars optimism: Imagine the next three movies directed by JJ Abrams, Duncan Jones & Brad Bird. THEN complain :)"
A day later on Twitter:
"24 hours on & I'm still excited about Ep 7. You THINK you're done, but you're not. You're NEVER done with Star Wars."
Ewan McGregor, young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, shares his interest on Twitter:
"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.
Wonder if they will need any Obi-Wan Hologram action??! #ep7 #donthecloakagain #thesearenotthedroidsyourlookingfor #movealongmovalong"
Timothy Zahn, famed and best-selling author of 9 Extended Universe Star Wars novels, creator of Admiral Thrawn character and the planet name Coruscant, said to EW:
"The original idea as I understood it— and Lucas changes his mind off and on, so it may not be what he’s thinking right now – but it was going to be three generations. You’d have the original trilogy, then go back to Luke’s father and find out what happened to him [in the prequels], and if there was another 7th, 8th, or 9th film, it would be Luke’s children. The Thrawn Trilogy really would have fit into the gap."
"It could be an entirely new storyline, but if he picks and chooses bits and pieces from the expanded universe, we’d all be thrilled to death."