Disney's Decision to Keep Star Wars Canon: A Strategic Move for Profit and Fan Engagement

The age-old debate about Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm and their decision to keep the Star Wars canon intact has long been a topic of discussion. However, the question is not merely about a strategic decision but a combination of financial interests and fan engagement. Let's delve into why Disney kept the Star Wars canon and how it fits into their larger entertainment portfolio.

Why Disney Decided to Keep Star Wars

Disney's decision to purchase Marvel and Lucasfilm was a significant milestone in the entertainment industry. While many wondered why Disney didn't sell off Lucasfilm to streaming services like Netflix or Amazon, the answer lies in Disney's business model and strategy.

Why Marvel? Disney saw potential in Marvel Studios' rich history and extensive back catalogue. The 40 years of comic book stories offered a vast and profitable universe to explore. Marvel's success in the box office and at the merchandise stands was a clear indicator that Disney could make a substantial profit by keeping Marvel under their roof.

Star Wars: An Extension of the Strategy Similarly, Star Wars was a logical extension of this strategy. Lucasfilm had already laid the groundwork for the Star Wars universe through the Expanded Universe (EU), with a vast array of books, comics, and games. However, the decision to keep Star Wars canon was more than just a financial move; it was about maintaining a cohesive narrative and fan engagement.

The Canonical Decision: A Strategic Shifting of the EU to Legends

Prior to Disney's acquisition, Lucasfilm was already considering a reset of the Expanded Universe. Pablo Hidalgo, a story group leader at Lucasfilm, mentioned in discussions of a reset. This decision was made independent of Disney's influence, and it allowed for a clean slate to be implemented.

Why Not Sell to Streaming Services?

Make Money, Keep Fans Happy. Disney chose to keep Star Wars because they make money off of it. The extensive content on Disney Plus, including movies, TV series, and special episodes, demonstrates that Disney has already integrated the Star Wars universe into their streaming services. Selling it to other streaming services would not only miss out on further revenue but also risk diluting the brand's value and narrative coherence.

Fan Engagement and Content Variety. A clean slate for the EU (now Legends) allows Disney the freedom to pursue new stories without fear of backlash. This approach has led to notable content such as the animated series "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" and "The Mandalorian," both of which have garnered critical acclaim and fan interest. The decanonization of "The Rise of Skywalker" has also allowed for the creation of new content that can further engage fans and expand the Star Wars universe.

Long-Term Strategy. The decision to keep the Star Wars canon was a calculated move to ensure long-term profitability and sustained fan engagement. By maintaining a cohesive narrative and allowing for new content, Disney has created a sustainable ecosystem that continues to draw in new audiences and retain existing ones.

Conclusion: The Strategic Advantage of Keeping Star Wars Canon

The decision to keep the Star Wars canon, despite the initial backlash, was a strategic move that benefits both Disney and their fans. While the transition from EU to Legends may have caused some upset, the long-term advantages of maintaining a coherent and growing narrative far outweigh the short-term discontent. Disney has successfully leveraged the Star Wars universe to create a diverse and engaging content portfolio, ensuring that the franchise remains a cornerstone of their entertainment empire.

As the Star Wars universe continues to expand, Disney's approach of maintaining the canon while allowing for new content to emerge remains a key factor in the franchise's enduring popularity. The future of Star Wars and Disney's relationship with it promises to be exciting, as they continue to explore new frontiers in storytelling and fan engagement.