Disney Buys
Lucasfilm!
I’m sure you have
heard that the Disney Company has purchased Lucasfilm. You may be wondering why
and if it is a good match. I say simply YES!!
Star Wars, the
largest of the Lucasfilm franchises is already a part of Disney Parks and has
been for a long time. The Disneyland Star Tours opened in 1987 so it has been
part of the parks for 25 years. Indian Jones is at both DLR and WDW already as
well. There is a show at WDW and a ride at DLR.
Lucasfilms, much
like Disney has focused on ‘Family Friendly’ entertainment and pushed the
advancement of film technology. Many of the current cutting edge special
effects were created by Industrial Light and Magic, a part of Lucasfilm that
was purchased by Disney.
George Lucas had retained
ownership of Lucasfilm and I believe he wanted to assure his vision for films
made by the company he founded continued. I think he made the right choice in
Disney. Disney had already shown respect for the Star Wars franchise in how
they have done Star Tours and Star Wars Weekends. There is also the Jedi Academy
show at DLR. Disney has treated Indiana Jones with equal respect.
Could we and
should we expect to see more of the Lucasfilm characters around the park? Why
not? Many great movies have come out of Lucasfilm with numerous characters worthy
of having a place in Disney parks!
I can see
characters from the American Graffiti films around the 50’s Prime Time Café or
even Mama Melrose’s. Characters from Land Before Time could be in the Animal
Kingdom around Dinoland. I will be honest and say I believe Star Wars is a much
better fit for Disney than Avatar. I think Disney would do better to scrap plans
for Avatarland and instead expand Dinoland with characters from Land Before
Time. Indiana Jones could be expanded with more shows and rides. Star Wars can
expand more in Tomorrowland with new rides and shows. I can see more Storm
Troopers and Jedi running around the parks. There are many more that can be
brought out to play!
Star Wars Episode
VII is in development and the plan is for a 2015 release with Episodes VIII and
IX to follow but release dates are to be
announced. This is good news for Star Wars Fans!
All in all I feel
this is a good match! I’m looking forward to seeing how this continues to
develop.
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