In a very strange coincidence, I posted the above picture on The Vertical Files' Facebook page this afternoon. (I keep a bunch of silly Star Wars photos in an album here. I've been collecting them for years, and distribute them every few days)
Then a few hours later it was announced that Disney would be buying Lucasfilm for something like 4 billion dollars. I had no idea that was even in the works when I posted the picture, I just thought it was a fun picture.
As someone who saw the life-changing Episode IV in the theater, this news actually does not phase me one way or the other. I gave up being a Star Wars fanatic a long time ago. I still have a deep appreciation and love for the original trilogy. I still have a bookshelf dedicated to the movies, and their comic adaptations, etc. There's still an R2 unit sitting on my stove, next to the toothpicks. But I have let go of any real attachment to the universe I once loved so much.
It's not out of anger, or hate. I just got over it.
But I understand people who are upset or concerned about Disney buying Lucasfilm. The word "Disney" has become a derogatory adjective meaning something like "lame" or "simplified for kids".
Thinking that way isn't really seeing the whole picture. Before I explain, I need to point out that I used to work for Disney. Not directly, but for a radio station owned by them. So not only may I be a bit biased, I actually have a little knowledge on the subject.
I always thought that I'd never want to work for a big company like Disney. They are one of the companies that people point to when they want to use an example of a company "taking over the world". But Disney was a great company to work for. I assume that many of the benefits are still the same, but it has been many years since I worked there. Here's what I remember about the company: Great benefits. Not just free park passes and big discounts on merchandise and hotels. Also, great health benefits. They really took care of me.
After you drink the Kool-Aid, they let you drive the Monorail.
You're not an employee of Disney, you're a "cast member". It made you feel like you were part of a bigger thing. It was a simple thing, but nice.
So anyway, I enjoyed working for them, and would totally do so again (but not as a costumed character in a park. They get treated like crap.)
If you're a Star Wars fan disillusioned by this deal, let me throw these points out at you...
Disney bought Pixar, and they've done nothing but good work ever since. Pixar's employees are even helping Disney's animation division excel.
Disney bought Marvel Comics, and they still publish the same crap that they have been for years (sorry, I'm a DC guy).
Disney bought The Muppets, and they are now more popular than they've been in years.
Disney has had a difficult time breaking into the Young Boys market. They've got the girls, thanks to Princesses. Disney hoped that "Pirates of the Caribbean" would bring in the boys, and it kind of worked, but not to the extent they wanted. So that's why they want Marvel and Lucasfilm. It'll work. They'll finally get the young princes to mingle with the princesses, and build a more successful boy brand.
For those of you who don't want to see another new Star Wars movie, think about this: George Lucas won't be directing. That's a good thing.
What's your favorite Star Wars movie? I'm assuming you'll say Empire Strikes Back (true fans know that's the correct answer). Well, that was directed by Irvin Kershner, and the screenplay was written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan (from a story by George Lucas).
So keep hope alive, my friends. If there really is going to be a new Star Wars movie, you should be glad that George will have nothing to do with it, but maybe John Lasseter will.
Not the safest way to ride a speeder bike. Please don't call Social Services.
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