It’s not just lightsabers and the Force that has made fans fall in love with Star Wars (at least, according to Disney), as the company are desperately trying to mine the franchise for every inch of nostalgia possible. But, like any time-based resource, the reserves are drying up. Bringing back Han Solo, Luke and Leia Skywalker, R2-D2, C-3PO and Chewbacca for the sequel trilogy wasn’t just a narrative decision, it was likely suggested by the suit-wearing big-wigs at Disney. A new report claims that the House of Mouse views Star Wars as a machine where nostalgia goes in, and money comes out (where can I get one of those machines?).
According to inside sources who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney is struggling with the future of Star Wars on the big screen. The already risk-averse company is in a precarious position with the franchise, as Star Wars lovers are perhaps the most fickle and extreme fan base around. In the words of the report, Star Wars “is not a brand or a franchise, but something akin to a religion.” When it came time to create the divisive sequel trilogy, one source likened it to the difficulties of penning a new Bible, saying:
”
You’re being asked to create the new New Testament.
And no one can agree on anything and there’s a lot of second guessing about meanings.”
To capitalize on the Star Wars brand, Disney is relying on the love of the good ol’ days. Another source described Disney’s business-first mindset by saying “Star Wars is a nostalgia-based enterprise.” However, there are only so many times the company can look back at the past before it is forced to face the future (there’s your daily words of wisdom). Although, it doesn’t seem like that will happen anytime soon, despite the fact the source claims, “they are running out of ways to create nostalgia.”
Disney is Allowed to Take Risks With Star Wars on TV
If you’ve ever wondered “how come there are so many Star Wars TV shows, but we have to wait years for a new movie?” then today’s your lucky day. Disney’s caution regarding the Star Wars IP is directed at the feature film side of the business. The television department reportedly has more freedom to take risks and experiment with new characters and stories. That’s why Star Wars TV shows on Disney+ have bounced between morally gray spies, a bounty hunter with his adopted child, a fan favorite Jedi, and gone back in time hundreds of years before the events of the prequel trilogy.
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Meanwhile, the movie side of Star Wars has focused on the same cast of characters (and their extended entourage) since 1977. As for the future of Star Wars movies, it looks like Disney will be sticking with the Skywalker family for another trilogy. Simon Kinberg is helming a brand-new trilogy. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, it is strongly believed that Rey (Daisy Ridley) will be the central character yet again.
- Release Date
- May 25, 1977
- Cast
- Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Alec Guinness , David Prowse , James Earl Jones , Frank Oz , Anthony Daniels , Kenny Baker , Peter Mayhew , Peter Cushing
- Runtime
- 121 Minutes
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Tagline
- Website
- Franchise
- Budget
- $11 Million
- Studio(s)
- Lucasfilm
- Distributor(s)
- 20th Century