Disney’s Star Wars theme park plans will focus on the new films only

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Since the Disney purchase of Lucasfilm, we have seen the House of Mouse begin their vast expansion of the STAR WARS brand. With STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS on the way, Disney has also announced plans to expand their theme parks with STAR WARS themed rides. While Disney has already had a partnership with Lucasfilm via the Star Tours attraction, this would represent a permanent presence from the franchise around the world.

Disney chief Bob Iger explained to Variety that they are taking steps to prepare for the expansion in the parks but wanted to wait for J.J. Abrams to share his vision and plan for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS rather than build rides based on the existing films. Iger stopped development on rides but now that they have an idea of what is coming, expect to see plans for the new parks sometime next year.

“I slowed it all down so what we come forward with will have a blend of the past, present and maybe the future,” referencing upcoming sequels and spinoff films. “Now we have a sense of what’s in ‘Star Wars 8,’ and what some of the standalone films will have in them.”

Iger also went on to say that all STAR WARS plans hinge on STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS. He says he told J.J. Abrams that this movie is a “$4 billion dollar film” referencing the purchase price Disney paid for Lucasfilm. He also said they approached making the new film with a respect for George Lucas‘ originals.

“That will give the film a look that will be extremely respectful of the look George (Lucas) created in the ’70s and will play well with ardent ‘Star Wars’ fans and play well with audiences today. There’s a sameness to a lot of these films today. The wow factor isn’t what it used to be. J.J. decided to create the physical wow factor.”

As much as I know Disney is treating STAR WARS as an investment, I like that Iger and everyone involved are going for quality along with quantity. We have all been waiting decades for STAR WARS to be produced the way Disney is handling it now, with a diverse group of talent involved without making it look like a cheap, CGI monstrosity. I, for one, am very excited to see what they have in store for the theme park attractions and beyond. It is also cool to know they have faith in not just EPISODE VII but EPISODE VIII and beyond.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS opens on December 18, 2015.