Wookiees Are Our Thing
Jen Chaney of the Washington Post has written a commentary on Disney’s plans to purchase Lucasfilm and make three new “Star Wars” movies.
“We so-called Xers…the ‘Star Wars’ generation…We don’t claim the Beatles as our own, nor do we boast enough people power to alter workplace politics. But Wookiees, by God, Wookiees are our thing.”
Chaney interviewed me one time about the Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien debacle and I’ve been following her work ever since. This is one of my favorite things she’s ever written:
“Basically, for some people, that Disney announcement was like finding out in the same day that your parents are divorcing, and that you have a new father, and that your mom and new father are planning to have three more children. It’s the sort of moment that makes one pause for a long while and then, after that prolonged pause, start tweeting a lot.”
I love a well-placed italics.
All I can say is, at least they aren’t planning remakes or adaptations. Did you know that in 2011, none of the top 10 grossing films were original works?
Popular Remakes
Harry Potter 8
Transformers 3
Twilight Saga 4
The Hangover Part 2
Pirates of the Caribbean 4
Fast Five
Cars 2
Thor
Rise Planet of the Apes
Captain America
In contrast, 30 years earlier in 1981, there were seven original screenplays. One filmmaker asks through an infographic, Has Hollywood Lost Its Way?
There is so much contempt for the Disney brand. Most recently, this played out in a series of humorous parodies. Get a load of these top secret upcoming Star Wars movie titles from How To Be A Dad.
It makes me curious. Why do you think Gen Xers started loathing Disney? What do you think Disney’s acquisition means for the Star Wars franchise?
Not having kids Disney doesn’t really impact my life. But you couldn’t pay me to go to Disneyland unless they did a kidfree day in which case I would love to go again. I love the parodies above, hilarious. I for one am thrilled at the prospect of having the last three films finally made. I do love the fact that Lucas got 4 Billion out of Disney and that he is going to turn around and donate it charity!
I dunno — this Xer doesn’t loathe Disney, though, so I’m probably not all that helpful.