This year marks the fourth time that the Walt Disney company has opened itself to the world and their fans with the whirlwind event that is the D23 Expo. In years previous, the event at it's core has been dedicated to the house that Walt Disney built and all that it has evolved in to. Yet this year, like never before the very heart of the expo is placed firmly in a 'galaxy far far away.' At the 2013 D23 Expo STAR WARS was still a new member of the Disney family and the franchises future was still uncertain. This time around, STAR WARS is arguably the 'Belle' of this particular ball.
Of course, it all makes total sense. Right now, the STAR WARS franchise is poised on the precipice of a great renaissance. STAR WARS has a hit television series in STAR WARS REBELS. The first of six scheduled live action films, STAR WARS Episode VII: The Force Awakens is set for release on December 18th and the promotional maelstrom that will usher in that film is set to begin in a matter of weeks. All of this, set in motion by Disney CEO Bob Iger who made a billion dollar gamble that he intends to win.
Because of that billion dollar bet, STAR WARS is center stage at this years Expo in every way it could be. With lavish displays dedicated to the upcoming film, tie in video games and publishing endeavors, and events like the kid friendly Jedi Training Academy that recall that Disney and STAR WARS have a long standing relationship that began inside the Disney theme parks.
Because of this long standing relationship and the bright promise that the future of the STAR WARS franchise has, the creator of that 'galaxy far far away,' George Lucas was awarded the Walt Disney company's highest honor and was inducted as a Disney Legend alongside the likes of legendary composer Danny Elfman, and the enigmatic Johnny Depp. Under the watchful eye of the house that Walt built, the future for STAR WARS is bright indeed.
UPDATE: August 15th 2015
Today's developments prove EXACTLY what we were saying. In less than an hour Walt Disney Studios presented fans with a new poster for STAR WARS: The Force Awakens by legendary poster artist Drew Struzan, announced that Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow will direct Episode 9, and released complete cast information for STAR WARS: Rogue One, including an official set photo.
Immediately after those announcements, Disney CEO Bob Iger dropped the bomb that most people already knew was coming. Disney Parks is planning a 14 acre STAR WARS land that will be inside Disneyland in Anaheim, California and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Though those massive parks will be years in the development and construction phases, It was also announced that this winter Disneyland will have a seasonal event called SEASON OF THE FORCE which will transform Tomorrowland and the classic SPACE MOUNTAIN ride with a Star Wars Theme.
If our initial article yesterday seemed to be well fed speculation, it can now be said with absolute authority that this was the year of STAR WARS. Certainly the whole of the Disney company was well represented at this years D23 EXPO, but if it wasn't certain before, it definitely is now. D23 EXPO 2015 is STAR WARS coming out party.
No comments:
Post a Comment