‘I have been working with Disney for 40 years and chose them as the custodians of Star Wars because of my great respect for the company and Bob Iger’s leadership,’ Lucas said in a statement on New Year’s Eve.

‘Disney is doing an incredible job of taking care of and expanding the franchise. I rarely go out with statements to clarify my feelings but I feel it is important to make it clear that I am thrilled that Disney has the franchise and is moving it in such exciting directions in film, television and the parks.’

Referring to The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams and Lucasfilm executive Kathleen Kennedy, he added: ‘Most of all I’m blown away with the record breaking blockbuster success of the new movie and am very proud of JJ and Kathy.’