The Disney Lucasfilm Partnership: A Magical Force
I. Can’t. Wait.
And neither can most of you….
As the world prepares for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Star Wars: Episode IX, anticipation is higher than ever; as is reverence for October 30, 2012 – the day Disney acquired Lucasfilm.
Merging The Magic
Today, an ABC news article recalled:
With the stroke of a pen in 2012, the “Star Wars” galaxy merged with the Disney universe.
The Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of Lucasfilm not only meant more installments of the film franchise in theaters but also more “Star Wars” in the theme parks.
But the partnership became fruitful for both companies back in 1987.
Star Tours Was Just The Beginning
“At the time Disney was making movies like ‘The Fox and the Hound’ and ‘Herbie Goes Bananas,’ things that didn’t really lend themselves to lasting theme park attractions,”
Disney expert David Koenig explained to ABC:
So they cut a deal, bringing the attraction Star Tours to Disneyland in 1987.
But now, the Disney-Lucasfilm relationship is soaring to a whole new level. And a whole new land, thanks to that 2012 deal between “Star Wars” creator George Lucas and Disney CEO and chairman Bob Iger.
At 14 acres, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the largest expansion in Disneyland history.
Taking The Partnership To The Next Level
And now, as Disneyland prepares to open its version of Galaxy’s Edge on Friday, the partnership looks to level up.
“By leveraging the “Star Wars” franchise for its theme parks, Disney continues to showcase how synergies between its diverse businesses have helped it become a media and entertainment powerhouse, as well as a stock market darling,” wrote Aparna Narayanan for Investor’s Business Daily. “Disney’s businesses span everything from theme parks and movie franchises to cruise lines and streaming video.
“The new ‘Star War’ land is also a reminder that Disney not only provides content for screen time, but also for real-life, Instagram-friendly experiences that people still crave and can’t be duplicated via Netflix.”
Episode IX
And then there is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – it is set to debut in December.
Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Iger told the MoffettNathanson 6th Annual Media & Communications Summit, “It’s our feeling that we’ve done a good job.
“I haven’t seen [The Rise of Skywalker] finished yet, but I’m confident, based off of the pieces that I’ve seen and the script that I read, that it’s going to be extremely popular.”
Most would see that prediction as a big understatement!
What do you think about the Disney/Lucasfilm partnership? Has it been fruitful for Disney fans? Let us know in the comments!
