Disney, Tencent Strike ‘Star Wars’ Publishing DealDisney, Tencent Strike ‘Star Wars’ Publishing Deal

Disney and Lucasfilm have agreed to a deal with Tencent subsidiary China Literature to translate 40 “Star Wars” novels in China.

The deal will see Lucasfilm and Tencent partner to develop the first “Star Wars” novel written by the partnership, which was unveiled in Shanghai on Wednesday. The two companies will work together to develop and publish the world’s first authorized “Star Wars” online novel written by a Chinese author.

Guo Wang Bi Xia, who goes by the nom de plume "His Majesty the King," will work with the Lucasfilm story group to write an original novel based on the “Star Wars” universe.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, the novel will introduce a new Chinese hero to the “Star Wars” landscape.

The partnership comes as Disney and Lucasfilm prep for the upcoming release of the next film in the franchise, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” The film’s arrival coincides with a slate of new licensing deals including a recent kitchenware partnership with Le Crueset.