The Walt Disney Company acquires Lucasfilm, the company behind the Star Wars franchise, paving the way for new Star Wars films including The Force Awakens.
Lucasfilm officially announces the production of Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the first installment of the sequel trilogy.
J.J. Abrams is officially confirmed as the director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens premieres in Los Angeles before its wide release.