Tuesday, October 30, 2012

It all started with a mouse.

The internet exploded this afternoon, not with more Hurricane Sandy news, but with the release of Lucasfilm being aquired by Disney. It didn't stop there, Star Wars Episode VII was announced for a 2015 release with Eps 8 & 9 to follow, and the Saga will continue even beyond with movies every two - three years.



I'd always wondered what would happen to Star Wars as George got older. Would he leave the company to his adopted children, or eventually sell it to a larger entity? Disney seems like the most logical choice. They've done an admirable job with Marvel, creating a film universe eclipsed only by Star Wars itself.

Now the Star Wars universe will be handed to a new generation of filmmakers - ones that grew up on the original trilogy. This is exactly what the franchise needs and with very good timing.



My only reservation is hopefully Disney will not quash the fan base and halt things like the 501st, Rebel Legion and R2 builders. These entities exist because George allowed the fans to create his fiction in the real world. Disney is known for keeping their properties clenched tight with an iron fist, and with a $4 billion price tag I would't blame them for guarding their new IP. However, these clubs have worked tirelessly, spent millions of dollars and given back to hundreds of communities and charities. Just remember that these people are the most ardent of fans, and what we do is not an attempt to steal intelectual property, but pay homage to something we all believe in.