In another paradigm shift that signals Star Wars as we know it is drastically headed into a bold and exciting direction, Lucasfilm announces that new spinoff films will be released sometime after Episode VII that will expand the Saga and focus on a specific character.

UPDATE: Yup, it's official.

A few articles from around the web (The Wrap, Total Film, Deadline Hollywood) are indicating that J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Super 8) is set to direct the next Star Wars film.  It's worth noting he denied involvement previously, but hey, Michael Dorn once said Worf probably wouldn't be coming to Deep Space 9 so remember: everyone in Hollywood is a filthy liar.  Or this is just one more stupid rumor we're all going to be denying in the morning.

At this time Disney, Lucasfilm, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Abrams, Mr. Solo, and Mr. Peanut have failed to provide an official denial or confirmation.   You can probably expect one of the two by lunchtime on Friday.

I  guess it was bound to happen.  Box Office Mojo is reporing that The Phantom Menace has surpassed Star Wars on the all-time US box office chart, unadjusted for inflation.

After years of whispers and a recent reveal of next year's toy packaging, StarWars.com shared the release date for the 3D theatrical conversion of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.  More details after the jump.

After the first announcement in August, we now have a fuller idea of what's coming on Blu-Ray in September courtesy of a new official announcement.  There will be three SKUs:

1. 9-disc, 6-movie collection (SRP $140, online as low as $90)

2. 3-disc, Original Trilogy set (SRP $70, online as low as $45)

3. 3-disc, Prequel Trilogy set (SRP $70, online as low as $45)