'Star Wars' Rollout Plan "Extremely Deliberate," Says Disney CEO

No question this is going to race past Frozen. The only question is where it will end in relation to Titanic and Avatar. Disney knows what an amazing property they have. They know the cultural significance and the popularity worldwide. This is why I was so very happy Disney bought Lucas. Two reasons actually: Because Disney is the best company to respectfully continue a franchise, and because Star Wars will be an awesome addition to Disney Parks. Disney knows not only how to make money while protecting canon. This is going to be great. Possibly unprecedented in movie, even cultural history. If they do the first one right, like I think they will, 10 years from now Avatar will be the 4th or 5th biggest movie of all time.

The box office numbers are ridiculously bloated by the development of the third world movie market and the huge rise in ticket costs...

The most impressive movie of my lifetime...adjust for inflation...is probably titanic...with Star Wars and ET with their numerous rereleases right there...

But avatar, avengers, frozen, and these Star Wars have been heavily tainted by the movie version of 1933 Deutschmark bought tickets...

The new Star Wars... If it gets a B+ or A- grade...will likely shatter the 2 billion dollar mark easily...you would guess
 
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Disagree...they have one shot to "blow up the Death Star" this time...

They used their mulligan in a big way.

Will kids and geek and teens like whatever they throw out? Probably...

But who...I wonder...is of the age group that controls the family's purse strings?

Perhaps those say 30-50? And when where those individuals born?

Hmmm...

They can't fail and I'm pretty sure they all know it.

But the bar has been drug so low by crazy George..

It just has to be somewhat plausible within the narrative and have a degree of self respect/rewatch ability for a film...

That all.

Is that so tough?

I agree, but just in case it's bad at least they've got three and a half months of merchandising mayhem before anyone finds out.
 
As a Star Wars fan I'm "fairly" interested in whether the new movie(s) is/are good or not and whether the franchise is saved. But I'm not interested in it much more than I'm interested in whether the next Jurassic Park movie is good, or whether they make another Men in Black. I haven't read a Star Wars novel since the Alan Dean Foster novelization of "Star Wars" (A New Hope) so I don't give a hoot about canon ... take my midichlorians ... please! And I haven't seen a non-feature Star Wars motion picture product since the Holiday Special in 1978 so I'm not really big on the cartoon side of things.

Likewise, I don't think that DHS "needs" Star Wars, or needs the franchise to succeed. There are so many great movies that could be used, and a great ride doesn't need a big tie-in anyways. Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Everest, Tower of Terror ... these were made up out of nothing. Practically the only big advantage that a theme park attraction gets from a media tie-in is excellent music. Rides invented out of thin air tend to have ricky-ticky or forgettable music whereas rides with a tie-in have great music (Splash Mountain, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Rock'n'Roller Coaster).

Therefore, if in a couple of years from now I see anyone excusing a lack of new rides in DHS because "Star Wars didn't do as well as hoped", or "they had to wait for the new trilogy to get traction" then I think I'm gonna puke ...
 
If Disney does this right, the next three movies will each earn multiple billions each. If they follow the prequels pattern, not terrible but not great while being greatly disliked, then they will only make multiple billion on the first. The second and third will not make as much. Either way they will win the same way Lucas one with the prequels.

I am convinced that Star Wars extends to all demographics. From my 50's and older age group which saw the originals, all the way down to kids who are discovering Star Wars games, TV, and toys all the time. My adult son and my adult daughter both LOVE Star Wars, as do I. The 3 of us will drag my wife to the theater more than once. :)

DHS doesn't need Star Wars, but Star Wars in the parks will send all of WDW in the stratosphere for attendance.

And no matter how well the new movies do, it will not kill this franchise or stop the value of Star Wars in the parks. The prequels made people mad but have not put a dent in the cultural expansion of Star Wars!
 

DHS doesn't need Star Wars, but Star Wars in the parks will send all of WDW in the stratosphere for attendance.
Epcot? Where it doesn't fit? Not that that seems to matter much now.

I personally think that DHS desperately needs Star Wars. Even most devoted Disney fans seem to be let down with DHS nowadays.
 
I personally think that DHS desperately needs Star Wars. Even most devoted Disney fans seem to be let down with DHS nowadays.

I agree that DHS is in desperate need of a new land as big and well-themed as Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley with a new, world-class ride (integrated with existing rides) and original, imaginative food offerings (like Harry Potter and Springfield USA).

Actually it needs at least 2 new lands as described above.

It doesn't have to be Star Wars, but that would be a pretty good choice. A star-cruiser-dodging or death-star-defeating coaster (with real and not simulated motion) and a highly detailed Mos Eisley land including a genuine Cantina with original food and drink will do nicely. Don't forget the blue milk in Tupperware containers. Add Greedo and Jabba meet and greets, but if you leave out Watto ... I won't mind ...

That's easy choice #1. Easy choice #2 is Pixar Land with a headliner ride based on Monsters Inc or The Incredibles (what the hay ... do both). Don't cheap out with a lot of video screens and shake-em-bake-em pseudo movement. That hasn't been exciting since Body Wars. The food option is of course a really detailed and authentic Pizza Planet with (get this) good pizza.

That was so easy ... and it doesn't require any ongoing or future product to be successful in order for it to work. These would be fantastic winners, right out of the box.

It's so easy to come up with this that you must be wondering why they haven't bothered to break out the shovels yet. In fact they have very carefully avoided saying a single word that could be construed as implying that something like this might happen any time in approximately the next decade. They're being "extremely deliberate". Because as far as they can tell with their best projections ... they don't have to do anything except add an extra track to their video game ride and reduce overhead by closing a couple more of the older rides and shows. Sorry.
 
If Disney does this right, the next three movies will each earn multiple billions each. If they follow the prequels pattern, not terrible but not great while being greatly disliked, then they will only make multiple billion on the first.

Ok...I probably actually don't disagree with you...but lets be honest with what the prequels were....even as I strip away my personal disgruntlement...

They were truly awful if youre objective...they had a limitless budget and the greatest special effects resources of any movies ever made at the time...because of what they represented. And...they managed to get some accomplished/ talented actor...very talented ones...to sign on or even volunteer for the parts to be part of them.

I mean...if you try to realize the advantages they had going in...it's hard to even understand what they printed/copied and sent out to the theaters to show.

Now...it was insulated in product sales and I don't think that was ever in doubt...it was gonna sell product.

And they had to fight their own hype/legacy/fanbase because it never could have made everyone happy in that context...

But it was/is and always will be an abject failure more than "average"... If you're fair.

And that's the danger...Disney I hope knows that the box office receipts and licensing fees/sales don't tell the whole story.
 
I agree that DHS is in desperate need of a new land as big and well-themed as Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley with a new, world-class ride (integrated with existing rides) and original, imaginative food offerings (like Harry Potter and Springfield USA).

Actually it needs at least 2 new lands as described above.

I don't think they necessarily "need" those types of things…but they could use them no doubt. And I don't think they're gonna get them. I see some version of NFL going in…new "attractions" but only to a bare minimum level - like more show/theater side tricks like jedi academy…a spinner…some new food and retail space….and an impressive, but ultimately not incredibly useful effort at groundwork/theming.

doesn't have to be Star Wars, but that would be a pretty good choice. A star-cruiser-dodging or death-star-defeating coaster (with real and not simulated motion) and a highly detailed Mos Eisley land including a genuine Cantina with original food and drink will do nicely. Don't forget the blue milk in Tupperware containers. Add Greedo and Jabba meet and greets, but if you leave out Watto ... I won't mind ...

The fact that they did not, have not, and i believe will not build an actual, isaac newton approved star wars themed ride/attraction in any disney park at this point is almost impossible to comprehend…its such an easy thing to build/theme that most kindergarten classes could probably come up with a workable concept. Now the excuses have always been "family suitable" and that "george was difficult to work with"…

Now we have no excuses. George is gone, gone, gone and they have star tours for the junior circuit…with easy adaptability. And rockin roller coaster and tower seem to be doing just fine…by the way…still long lines on old rides. I think a real ride for the most popular IP of the last 40 years (and almost impossible to dispute) worldwide is a SAFE bet…is it not?

Don't think we'll get it…maybe some RSR or IJA type ride system that uses a little G Force and gravity…but i'd guess i'd settle for that.

Since the first time i rode star tours…probably 91/92…i can remember getting off and 100% honestly thinking "is that the best you could do?"
…ironically…a much repeated and accurate critique of The Phantom Menace (cringe) by fans and critics...

easy choice #1. Easy choice #2 is Pixar Land with a headliner ride based on Monsters Inc or The Incredibles (what the hay ... do both). Don't cheap out with a lot of video screens and shake-em-bake-em pseudo movement. That hasn't been exciting since Body Wars. The food option is of course a really detailed and authentic Pizza Planet with (get this) good pizza.

That was so easy ... and it doesn't require any ongoing or future product to be successful in order for it to work. These would be fantastic winners, right out of the box.

They could have done this years ago…they could have paid for it 1,000 times over…they could have done right by the ticket buyers…

BUT?….what gives? (not even gonna touch pizza planet…or i'll go into dry heaves. Ok…but Gusteau's from ratatouille seems almost too easy to install at this point. a trained circus dog would have signed the paperwork on that by now)

I think it honestly comes down to pimping out development costs to China or OLC at this point. No money paid for on american soil….except under DCA type duress….sadly that now applies to Paris.

So how DID that avatar thing get built, exactly? even at a pace that the snail would beat like a thoroughbred

so easy to come up with this that you must be wondering why they haven't bothered to break out the shovels yet. In fact they have very carefully avoided saying a single word that could be construed as implying that something like this might happen any time in approximately the next decade. They're being "extremely deliberate". Because as far as they can tell with their best projections ... they don't have to do anything except add an extra track to their video game ride and reduce overhead by closing a couple more of the older rides and shows. Sorry.

YES! 100x YES.
This is the heart/root of the whole situation. They have shuddered a large chunk of the park…and have done so under there operation plan of late that will guarantee at least 5 years of that state. Don't doubt it…

There will be no urgency like…and its really just "effort" based on their financial might…that you see up on Kirkman…1-2 years…DO IT! you own everything…you right your own permits for god's sake…you collect taxes and wine like the Vatican…no damn excuses. (ok…exaggerating but not by much…to be honest)

If you have a 4/5 year old right now…son, daughter, granddaughter, grandson…and are just getting into these types of things in the park setting now…
they will be north of 10 and in a completely different place in their developments when it opens.
How bout we give them something when they're 8?

I mean…maybe its because i look at mine…but that is tremendously sad/disappointing and disney should honestly be ashamed. Because its deliberate…these things take time but not to this level. Things don't last forever (like childhoods - in this case)…and i love how the quarterlies are off the charts and they are lauded for "doing everything right"…
no sir…i think not.
 
No question this is going to race past Frozen. The only question is where it will end in relation to Titanic and Avatar. Disney knows what an amazing property they have. They know the cultural significance and the popularity worldwide. This is why I was so very happy Disney bought Lucas. Two reasons actually: Because Disney is the best company to respectfully continue a franchise, and because Star Wars will be an awesome addition to Disney Parks. Disney knows not only how to make money while protecting canon. This is going to be great. Possibly unprecedented in movie, even cultural history. If they do the first one right, like I think they will, 10 years from now Avatar will be the 4th or 5th biggest movie of all time.

THIS! ...and ABSOLUTELY Star Wars will RACE past Frozen in every way (except with 2-9 year old girls). Star Wars is a phenomenon unrivaled in current pop culture. I'm still amazed that Disney bought it, Indiana Jones and a bag of chips for ONLY $4B. (Yes, I said only $4B.)
 
I blame George Lucas more than anyone. I blame him for creating something so amazing and then in so many ways allowing it to languish in mediocrity. I hope to be surprised but it doesn't look like that will change any time soon.
 
THIS! ...and ABSOLUTELY Star Wars will RACE past Frozen in every way (except with 2-9 year old girls). Star Wars is a phenomenon unrivaled in current pop culture. I'm still amazed that Disney bought it, Indiana Jones and a bag of chips for ONLY $4B. (Yes, I said only $4B.)

Yes they got it for a song relatively speaking, but that was because ole' George really didn't care. Had a corporation owned the rights the price would have been substantially higher.
 
That price for Lucasfilm was widely reported
To be about $2,000,000,000 below the market value...

And he didnt take it to the street...he went to one suitor
 
So how DID that avatar thing get built, exactly? even at a pace that the snail would beat like a thoroughbred

I don't know. Maybe it was a knee-jerk reaction to Harry Potter, to shut up somebody who was ranting in the boardroom about Universal stealing a march on them. Or else maybe it's using Someone Else's Money. Someone who wanted a little market synergy for their planned sequel and who is also at heart a Disney fan-boy?
 
I blame George Lucas more than anyone. I blame him for creating something so amazing and then in so many ways allowing it to languish in mediocrity. I hope to be surprised but it doesn't look like that will change any time soon.

I think he definitely sold out for kids and sustain profit...which is nuts because more of the same was the way to make more money on a longer term...

But the history of Star Wars...when you consider what happened in entertainment/technology and consumer spending from 1977-2012 is amazing...

Like Disney - they rode the wave of history and won.
I would argue they did better in a much shorter amount of time.
 
I don't know. Maybe it was a knee-jerk reaction to Harry Potter, to shut up somebody who was ranting in the boardroom about Universal stealing a march on them. Or else maybe it's using Someone Else's Money. Someone who wanted a little market synergy for their planned sequel and who is also at heart a Disney fan-boy?

E. All of the above
 
And he didnt take it to the street...he went to one suitor

THERE's the answer. George is not unlike a dying parent who must give their baby up for adoption. He gave the child to whom he thought would take care of it the best, just like Jim Henson did. (...and neither of them needed the cash.)

I have my complaints with Disney from time to time, but I can't disagree with Lucas' or Henson's decision.
 
That price for Lucasfilm was widely reported
To be about $2,000,000,000 below the market value...

And he didnt take it to the street...he went to one suitor

THERE's the answer. George is not unlike a dying parent who must give their baby up for adoption. He gave the child to whom he thought would take care of it the best, just like Jim Henson did. (...and neither of them needed the cash.)

I have my complaints with Disney from time to time, but I can't disagree with Lucas' or Henson's decision.

Henson and Lucas knew what I have been saying: That Disney is the one best company in which to place your artistic legacy in their cases. Disney has proven over the years that they know how to properly care for and nurture the fragile thing that is public perception of a brand.

And the prequels weren't AWFUL. Awful movies, some really big important ones bomb and sometimes bomb big. All the prequels were enormous hits. They could have done far better. Had the prequels been different, Avatar might be 3rd or 4th now. But they weren't horrible, except to the fanatics. And those frothing-at-the-mouth, hate-Lucas crowd saw each film 7 to 15 times in the theater anyway. :P
 
Henson and Lucas knew what I have been saying: That Disney is the one best company in which to place your artistic legacy in their cases. Disney has proven over the years that they know how to properly care for and nurture the fragile thing that is public perception of a brand.

And the prequels weren't AWFUL. Awful movies, some really big important ones bomb and sometimes bomb big. All the prequels were enormous hits. They could have done far better. Had the prequels been different, Avatar might be 3rd or 4th now. But they weren't horrible, except to the fanatics. And those frothing-at-the-mouth, hate-Lucas crowd saw each film 7 to 15 times in the theater anyway. :P
The fanatics and those repeat visitors are what drove those numbers so high. I can't speak for (or understand) Avatar but I recall that the phenomenon of repeat viewings was particularly strong in the case of Titanic.

And they were horrible, at least the first two.
 












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