Something the Lucasfilm camp can never be accused of is being bad business people. Starting with George Lucas, he knew the reach and profibility of merchandising since the very beginning.

During the premiere of Revenge of the Sith in Los Angeles we caught a glimpse of Howard Roffman, Lucasfilms head of licensing, as he was going in through the non-celebrity red carpet entrance. I made a quick dash and made sure that I got his attention and begged for a quick interview. Howard Roffman was kind enough to give us a few minutes of his time.

Like all other Star Wars fans out there, I had one question on my mind, what does the future hold for Star Wars?

Roffman acknowledged that this is a very exciting time for Lucasfilm. The live action and animated television series will provide a forum that will allow the exploration of many more Star Wars characters and storylines.

However the question remains, is Sith truly the last of the Star Wars films?

What happens when we come to a point in either of the tv series where it is so successful, has such a large following, and has such great writing and storylines (god willing) that the series itself demands a film to be made. Hardcore Lucas fans will insist that George has already said this is the last of the films, time and time again. But remember, he also said the same thing after Jedi. Any good business, such as Lucasfilm, would be crazy not to reap the rewards of merchandising and box office sales of such a profitable franchise once again. So I pressed Roffman a little further...

Roffman gave, what I truly believe to be a very honest answer. He stated that although making another trilogy would take 10 years out of George Lucas' life, that they can never say never and they must take it one step at a time.

We here at the IESB do not believe that George would himself handle another film but instead the "show runners" that he brings aboard would perhaps helm future film projects.

Here is our take on the next 5 - 10 years of Star Wars. Lucasfilm is promoting Sith as the final Star Wars film. Of course, what better way to get the fans out in droves to spend their money to see how he will finally bridge I, II, and III to IV, V, and VI. However, a few years down the line, the television series becomes very successful and has a great following and Lucasfilm begins to say well maybe there is a possibility of another theatrical release. But hey, its not our idea (wink wink) the fans are demanding it. We have to do it for the fans.

This is just not idle speculation but instead thoughts that have been passed onto us straight from inside the Skywalker Ranch.

I know, some of you think I am crazy but keep in mind that we were dead-on regarding the Star Wars TV series. Since last year we have been talking about a live action and animated TV series. For some Star Wars fans it was a surprise that George announced the a TV series at C3 but for our readers/viewers it was old news.

Don't forget while you are standing in line for the next installment in an all new Star Wars film that we were right about Star Wars. Tell your fellow fans that we..were...ri-i-i-ght...

Video Interview with Howard Roffman: Click Here

Video Interviews from the L.A. Premiere: Click Here

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Red Carpet Photo Gallery: Click Here

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