Disney’s plans for Star Wars franchise

PHOENIX (AP) — Star Wars fans have more than just Episodes 7, 8 and 9 to look forward to.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said at the annual shareholders meeting in Phoenix on Wednesday that the company is developing “some standalone movies” featuring Star Wars characters.

The news is likely to set off a new round of speculation about what’s in store for the Lucasfilm franchise. The buzz has been at fever pitch levels since The Walt Disney Co. said in October it was acquiring the studio for $4B.

Iger didn’t say which characters might be featured in the standalone films. Some Star Wars characters such as bounty hunter Boba Fett have been given bigger treatments in comic books.