When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, it opened a new chapter in the Star Wars franchise. The first movie under the Disney banner was “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” directed by J.J. Abrams, which was released in 2015.
Since then, Disney has been responsible for producing and distributing all the Star Wars movies. The latest installment, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” was released in December 2019.
Is “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” a Disney movie?
The answer is yes, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is a Disney movie. It was produced by Lucasfilm, which is now a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Kathleen Kennedy, who has been the President of Lucasfilm since its acquisition by Disney, produced the movie.
What does it mean for Star Wars to be a Disney movie?
Being a Disney movie means that Lucasfilm operates under the umbrella of The Walt Disney Company. This means that all decisions regarding Star Wars are ultimately made by Disney executives. It also means that Star Wars has access to greater resources and distribution channels than it did before the acquisition.
Additionally, being a part of the larger Disney family has allowed for more cross-promotion and integration between different properties. For example, there have been Star Wars-themed attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World since 1987, but since the acquisition by Disney these have expanded to include new rides and experiences.
- Impact on storytelling: Being under the Disney banner has also allowed for greater flexibility in storytelling. This is evident in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” an animated series that aired on Cartoon Network from 2008-2014 before being resurrected on Netflix in 2014-2018 and then again by Disney+ for its seventh season in 2020.
- Impact on merchandise: The acquisition has also resulted in an increase in Star Wars merchandise.
Disney has a vast array of merchandising and marketing expertise, which has allowed for the creation of new and exciting products.
- Impact on distribution: Being a part of Disney has also allowed for greater distribution opportunities. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” was released in over 50 countries worldwide, which would not have been possible without the backing of a major corporation like Disney.
The future of Star Wars under Disney
With the acquisition by Disney, the future of Star Wars looks bright. The franchise is set to expand even further with new movies and television shows in development. Additionally, with the launch of Disney+, there are new opportunities for Star Wars content to be released directly to fans.
However, there are also concerns about over-saturation and creative control as some fans worry that too much focus on commercialization could lead to a decline in storytelling quality. Only time will tell how this delicate balance will play out.
In conclusion, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is undoubtedly a Disney movie. While some may have reservations about what being under the Disney banner means for the franchise’s future, it’s clear that being a part of such a major corporation has brought many benefits to Star Wars. Ultimately, what matters most is that the movies continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
