Disney Planning 'Stand Alone' STAR WARS Feature Films

Ain't It Cool News reports that Disney is planning a slate of 'stand-alone' STAR WARS films which will be unrelated to the new sequel trilogy but will feature characters from the franchise. The first in the series will focus on the beloved character YODA.

Back in October, Disney announced that it has agreed to acquire George Lucas' Lucasfilm Ltd, that included complete rights for the Star Wars franchise. The companies also announced a target for a 2015 release for Star Wars: Episode 7.

Kathleen Kennedy, Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, became President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will now serve as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Disney's global lines of business to build, further integrate, and maximize the value of this global franchise.

Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future.