George Lucas introduced the world to Star Wars back in 1977, and he profited handsomely from it. Now, after selling the mega-franchise to Disney for $4.05 billion, Lucas is preparing to give back in a big way.
In a statement released to The Hollywood Reporter, a Lucasfilm spokesperson said that once the sale is final, the Hollywood billionaire will donate most of the haul to charity: ”George Lucas has expressed his intention, in the event the deal closes, to donate the majority of the proceeds to his philanthropic endeavors.”
The move isn’t a complete surprise (although the sale may have been). Lucas signed on to Bill Gates and Warren Buffett‘s Giving Pledge back in July of 2010, promising to give at least half of his wealth away by the time of his death.
Abbe Sparks is the Founder of Abbe Sparks Media Group & Socially Sparked News. A social entrepreneur, she is a social media and content influencer who has been covering the entertainment, music, tech and advocacy sectors for over 25 years. A member of US Press Association, she has written for many online and print publications including the UK's Blues Matters Magazine, Big City Rythm & Blues & her former column 'Abbe's Sparks' for RFPalooza. You can also find her stories on Medium & Tumbler. Twitter: @asparks01
