Disney has been on a roll over the past few years, with two major acquisitions resulting in a massive influx of revenue, theMarvelCinematic Universe and theStar Warsfranchise. The studio paid over $4 billion for each of these properties, and while each franchise is incredibly successful at the box office, the studio has no reason to stand on its laurels and quit while it’s ahead.BBC Newsbeatrecently spoke with Disney CEORobert A. Iger, who revealed that both of his hit franchises will continue “forever. Here’s what he had to say about theStar Warsfranchise.
“There are fiveStar Warsfilms - four more withStar Wars: The Force Awakens- that are in varying stages of development and production. There will be more after that, I don’t know how many, I don’t know how often.”
These comments aren’t terribly surprising, when you considerStar Wars: The Force Awakens’box officesuccess, with a domestic record of $879.1 million and the third highest global total ever with $1.93 billion. It also isn’t surprising since this isn’t the first time we’ve heard such a statement from someone at Disney. A report from November claimed that Disney is planning on making one newStar Warsmovie every year, indefinitely. Of course, that could change if fans stop buying tickets, but that doesn’t seem likely anytime soon. As for theMarvel Cinematic Universe, the Disney CEO also thinks that can continue “forever.”
“Marvel, you’re dealing with thousands and thousands of characters - that will go on forever.”
On the heels of the MCU’s success, Warner Bros. is starting their own shared universe with the upcoming DC Comics adventureBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which will spawn a slew of new movies that are already set through the year 2020. Between the MCU, DCEU and 20th Century Fox’sX-Menfranchise, many are wondering if “superhero fatigue” will eventually set in, and fans will stop flocking to theaters. When asked if he thinks fans are tired of these movies, the executive had this to say.
“No, I don’t think they’re getting weary. But I think we keep raising the bar in terms of telling stories that bring them back, that excite them, that make it feel new and that is what we do for a living.”
What’s interesting is he wouldn’t clarify that the studio does plan to release one movie every year, but that seems to be the case in the years ahead. Later this year, the studio will release the first spinoff,Rogue One: A Star Wars Storyon December 16, followed byStar Wars: Episode VIIIon Deceber 15, 2017,Star Wars Anthology: Han Soloon August 03, 2025,Star Wars: Episode IXin 2019 and the third spinoff,Star Wars Anthology: Boba Fett, presumably set for 2020, although an official date hasn’t been given. What do you think about these franchises continuing forever?
