Nikki Finke got the jump today on some very exciting news for the ebullient gang at Nerdist Industries. The website and affiliated operations have been acquired by early investor Legendary Entertainment:

My sources say huge comic book fan Thomas Tull will be stepping up his existing early investment in Nerdist and actually making an all-out acquisition. But co-owner Peter Levin (my pal) wouldn’t do a deal that stripped him and the other co-owner Chris Hardwick of autonomy for the editorial business. Now they will report to Legendary Entertainment COO Tim Connors.

Just a few days ago, we reported on the great Star Wars-themed video that Hardwick put together to launch this week’s Make-a-Wish Foundation charity relay “Course of the Force.” It’s happening as we speak, with various celebs and media figures also taking part as a lightsaber is passed along the California coast on its way to Wednesday San Diego arrival.

Nerdist co-founders Hardwick and Levin will also become, respectively, co-presidents of digital content and of digital strategy at Legendary. Very impressive.

Previously on FishbowlLA:
Chris Hardwick Set for Epic Star Wars Lightsaber Relay
Chris Hardwick’s Nerdist Industries Grabs a Piece of GeekChicDaily*