Over 20 Titles To Be Released in 36 Countries by Participating Publishers

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — March 11, 2015 — Disney Publishing Worldwide and Lucasfilm today revealed the global “Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens” publishing program slated for a fall 2015 rollout. The ambitious, multifaceted program will build excitement leading up to the December 18 theatrical release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and will include subtle hints and clues that will be only fully understood once the movie opens. More than 20 titles—featuring new narrative stories for middle grade and young adults as well as comics, illustrated reference, Look and Find, and sticker book formats—will be released globally in 36 countries by participating publishers. Titles in the “Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens” program are set to publish in print and digital formats and will be available this fall wherever books and eBooks are sold.

“We are thrilled to be developing content for fans of this epic saga across the globe,” said Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “The robust publishing program will appeal to a range of fans – old and new – across all formats from comics to novels to apps, making this one of the most exciting and collaborative collection of stories that we’ve seen to date.“

Disney-Lucasfilm has worked closely with its prominent Star Wars licensees, such as Del Rey, DK, Egmont UK, Marvel, Phoenix International Publications, Inc., Studio Fun International, and Topps to offer readers of all ages an array of all-new stories that extend the Star Wars fantasy and add to its canon of mythology. The program includes an exciting slate of books in print and digital formats that introduce readers new and old to characters and important events from the original trilogy, while the most die-hard of Star Wars fans will experience narratives reintroduced in a whole new way.

“The filmmakers have a lot of surprises in store, and the hints and puzzle pieces in the publishing program will keep fans guessing until the film opens. Until then, let the anticipation—and the speculation—begin.” said Michael Siglain, director, Creative Franchise, Lucasfilm, Disney Publishing Worldwide.

Novels for young adults, focusing on Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia, will be published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press in North America and distributed internationally. The young adult novels have notable talent attached, including Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof, Tin Star), Greg Rucka, New York Times bestselling author (Detective Comics and 52), Jason Fry (The Clone Wars: Darth Maul: Shadow Conspiracy, Star Wars Insider contributor) and New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray (The Firebird trilogy and Evernight series).

Some titles for the “Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens” publishing program will include: Star Wars: Aftermath (Del Rey), Lost Stars (Disney-Lucasfilm Press), Smuggler’s Run: A Han Solo Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press), The Weapon of a Jedi: A Luke Skywalker Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press), Moving Target: A Princess Leia Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press), Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know (DK), Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens (Marvel Comics), Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens-C-3PO (Marvel Comics), and Star Wars: Ships of the Galaxy (Studio Fun International).

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to StarWars.com for more information and future announcements on how to celebrate Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

About Disney Publishing Worldwide

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and apps, igniting imagination through storytelling in ever-inventive ways. DPW creates and publishes books and magazines both vertically in-house and through an extensive worldwide licensing structure. As a leader in digital products, DPW creates bestselling eBook titles and best-in-class original apps that have garnered more than 50 awards to date. DPW is also committed to the educational development of children around the world through Disney Learning, which includes our flagship learning brand, Disney Imagicademy, as well as Disney English and other Disney themed learning products. Headquartered in Glendale, California, DPW publishes books, magazines and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

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