The nerd world has once again gone nuts as Disney once again reaches into the subculture underground and gets their hands on another franchise well-known to the Cons and the Conventions.
[And of course, let’s not forget me, who had discussed Star Wars 7 one year ago, discussed how Star Wars could improve Hollywood Studios, and even brought up how to improve Star Wars Weekends. With not having to pay George Lucas, chances have automatically improved.]
The purchasing of LucasArts was a decision that was surprising while at the same mildly expected. Disney, George Lucas, and the world of LucasArts have had an outstanding relationship since the 1980s when plans for the Star Tours attractions was getting off the ground. Before you know it, Star Wars finds its way into several of the Disney parks as well as even some Indiana Jones appearances. And then add the fact that George Lucas has been mulling retirement for the longest time. All the industry experts secretly knew that if there was a place where Star Wars was going to land after Lucas passes on, it would definitely be Disney.
Similar to how Disney took over the Muppets (and eventually bought them) after the unfortunate passing of Jim Henson, Disney decided to grab the reigns of Star Wars with Lucas mildly throwing in the towel. And I am going to state this as fact: this is the best decision made by Disney since buying the powerhouse Pixar. This was smarter than getting the rights to Avatar (By FAR), smarter than purchasing Marvel (which still has their movie rights all over the map), smarter than expanding Fantasyland (the section of the Kingdom that needed the LEAST amount of help), and smarter than fighting to the death to get the World Cup.
There is absolutely nothing but good coming from this purchasing of the 4 billion company that has not been doing much in recent years. And this is in all aspects of entertainment, not just movies. Video games, the theme parks, merchandise, television, and potential crossovers with other franchises are all in the mix now that LucasArts is under Disney’s power.
But let’s start with the movies division regardless. We have Star Wars 7 within the next couple years, and I can damn near guarantee you that we will have more Star Wars in the future. Expect that part 8 and 9 that fans have been dreaming about. And then let’s not forget the 3-D remakes of all the other Star Wars movies that will be popping up throughout this decade. What I can see Disney doing is the Pixar effect, in which they hand the smaller companies good chunks of money and in return receive their product without attempting to interfere. It has worked quite well as Whedon’s vision of Avengers has generated nearly 2 billion in box office alone, and Pixar has produced 13 consecutive movies that has earned over $100 in the United States box office.
Disney’s relationship with some of the better sci-fi directors in recent years remains quite good, so Disney can choose from Abrams, Whedon, Spielberg, Raimi, and perhaps even Brad Bird to carry the Star Wars mantle. Now, before you all scream about how this is still George Lucas’ creation, remember this: the best Star Wars was directed by somebody else. And if I have to tell you which Star Wars I am talking about, then shame on you.
And what if Disney wants to hand a part of Star Wars to Pixar? Can you imagine the animation staff behind Wall-E creating a Star Wars universe? I certainly wouldn’t object to that—although I still ponder why Pixar hasn’t gotten a Marvel project yet. And let’s not forget---we also have Indiana Jones.
Kingdom Hearts 3 already had potential out of the gate with the purchase of Pixar, Muppets, AND Marvel after the release of the original. Now we can add Star Wars to this. Kingdom Hearts 3 automatically has emerged as Disney’s potentially biggest gaming project if they decide to utilize this new purchase towards the long-anticipated game. It does not end there, as Star Wars games in general tend to do a decent job, with Rogue Squadron, Super Star Wars, and Knights of the Old Republic being good examples. And, perhaps, Knights of the Old Republic will also finally receive that third installment.
The boys around America have been shunned over the years with Disney princesses conquering the marketing of the theme parks and the television medium. Buying Marvel was purely a we-need-more-boys move. Now, with Star Wars, the mere idea of a Star Wars show FOLLOWING a Spider-Man show is enough for Disney XD to have a good run at the ratings peak on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings. It also would not surprise me if they start airing all the movies constantly on ABC Family---anything to replace the Harry Potter movies that despite their success and (sometimes) quality it’s actually more fodder for the competition.
Lastly, how about the theme parks? Star Tours II isn’t exactly a smash-smash hit, but it still draws a loyal following. But can you imagine a Star Wars SECTION in Hollywood Studios? Equipped with an actual building for the Jedi Training Academy, a roller coaster based off one of the moments in the duel-trilogy, and perhaps even the Cantina bar being re-created for guests? I think the theme of the park should be Hollywood brought to life, not necessarily the Studios theme that they have unsuccessfully tried to manage over the years. Perhaps with this new focus, Star Wars will expand, giving us fans more to enjoy. And then there is the potential for expanding and improving Star Wars Weekends….
Bottom Line: The big winner in this is George Lucas, for finally handing the reigns to a good company notoriously protective and passionate about their product---while making good money on the side. But Disney is no slouch here, as they are incorporating a new business strategy by purchasing creative companies whose limit is budget, which is something Disney has way more of. Imagine Star Wars with Disney budgets and marketing, from movies to television to other mediums. Even though it coast them several billion, I can still see the stock and shareholders of the company smiling and laughing all the way to the bank.
P.S. This needs to happen faaaaaaar more often now that we own it.
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