Lucasfilm has official postponed the controversial re-releases of the Star Wars prequel trilogy in 3D. Following the takeover by Disney, the new management want to focus on ‘rebooting the franchise’ according to an initial report from Deadline.com.

Following that report, Lucasfilm issued a statement: ‘Lucasfilm has decided to postpone this fall’s scheduled release of Star Wars Episodes II and III in 3D. Given the recent development that we are moving forward with a new Star Wars trilogy, we will now focus 100 per cent of our efforts on Star Wars: Episode VII in order to ensure the best possible experience for our fans. We will post further information about our 3D release plans at a later date.’

The only Star Wars film released in 3D was Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, which under-performed at the box office, in the US (taking only $23 million domestically) and internationally in February 2012. Prior to the Disney buy-out, the Lucasfilm plan was to convert and release all six existing Star Wars movies in 3D. Now Episode VII has a writer—Michael Arndt—and a director—J.J. Abrams—it appears Disney wish to cut their losses in terms of the less popular prequel movies and intends to concentrate on brand new adventures in the Star Wars universe. It’s highly likely that this ‘postponement’ will become outright cancellation.

The move follows reports that J.J. Abrams was ‘not committed’ to the already announced intended 2015 released date for Star Wars Episode VII. The Hollywood Reporter suggested that the release may have to be delayed, depending upon the progress of the production. Possibly the ‘postponement’ of the 3D releases is intended to free up resources for the new movies. Abrams previously refused to rush Star Trek Into Darkness for an originally planned 2012 release. The film is now out this May, rather than last Christmas as once planned. In addition to the Star Wars and Star Trek movie franchise, Abrams has just had two new TV pilots commissioned (one about android police, the other about a young girl with special powers), as well as plans for a movie bio-pic of disgraced cycling star Lance Armstrong.