Disney will be producing ‘origin story films’ for several characters in the Star Wars universe very soon….
When Disney purchased Lucasfilm last year, there was a solid promise that came attached with the sale that the company was going to launch Star Wars for a new generation in a big way.
The vow already picked up steam when Disney hired director J.J. Abrams to lead the charge on a new Star Wars: Episode VII sequel picking up after the events of 1983’s Return of the Jedi ended.
That film will be ready for release in 2015, but the Mouse House isn’t slowing down with other Star Wars projects coming to fruition over the next few years.
According to Disney chief financial officer Jay Rasulo, who spoke to a group of investors on Thursday about the company’s upcoming projects, Star Wars will be getting a major push in the next few years.
Beyond the launch of Star Wars: Episode VII, Disney is looking into producing an “origin story film” for characters in the Star Wars universe each year starting after 2015 when Abrams brings the new film to life on the big screen.
The origin stories have been rumored to cover several characters in the Star Wars universe — most notably Han Solo, Yoda and bounty hunter Boba Fett. None of these names have been named by Disney, but remain a hot rumor for the Star Wars origin pictures.
The company also plans a worldwide launch campaign of more original Star Wars merchandise that Lucasfilms never did on that scale. All told, the plan is for Star Wars to have a major marketplace in the world market in the next few years.
“The sky’s the limit,” Rasulo said (via Variety). “There’s incredible flexibility. It’s an unbelievable palette to create from. We will lay the groundwork for that and when the film comes out in 2015, we’ll be ready to blow it out.”
There was never a doubt that once Lucasfilm was purchased by Disney that the company would push Star Wars, but it seems their plans are far reaching with new films, merchandising and other marketing campaigns ready to launch in the next couple of years.
