Like most people, the
Disney acquisition of
Lucasfilm (Star Wars/Indiana Jones) this week gave me a moment of pause. Unlike most people, I like both Star Wars and Star Trek. Each satisfies portions of my sci-fi entertainment needs. I appreciate what George Lucas and Gene Roddenberry created and I have received much enjoyment from both and their sometimes creative, sometimes crappy, offshoots. No one is perfect. I overlook the flaws to enjoy the vision of the greater wholes.
I am also not thrilled with a few giant corporate entities owning all of my favorite brands. As someone who supports art and music on local levels, it is scary to think a few companies will control most of what we see and hear. But, if Star Wars had to get bought by any corporate giant, I am glad it was Disney. Let's look at recent history:
-Disney bought The Muppets in 2004 and we got:
-Disney bought Pixar in 2006 and we got WALL-E (2008), Up (2009), Toy Story 3 (2010) and Brave (2012). (Cars 2 (2011), too, but everyone needs to make $.)
-Disney bought Marvel in 2009 and we got:
It seems
Disney has a history of picking the right "fan boys" (and girls) for
the jobs of continuing these huge brands. Disney now owns
Lucasfilm. George Lucas stays on as creative consultant and his partner, producer Kathleen Kennedy becomes the President and Brand Manager. Disney is also leaving
ILM to continue as it is.
Although we have no choice but to wait and see, I am kind of looking forward to what this merger brings. Whatever comes in the future, we still have the originals... in slightly altered and updated forms. (-']
P.S. I liked J.J. Abrams' Star Trek (2009) and I am looking forward to the new one next year!
