In a blockbuster transaction that rocked the ‘house of mouse’, Disney has purchased Lucasfilm Ltd, and along with it the Star Wars franchise. The deal, worth over 4 billion dollars in cash and stock, comes on the heals of Disney’s recent purchases of Pixar in 2006 and Marvel in 2009. The Financial Post reports: “Disney already has a great portfolio and this adds one more,” said Morningstar analyst Michael Corty. “They don’t have any holes, but their past deals have been additive.” While Lucasfilm productions historically have large grosses in box offices, the addition of the company will boost sales of toys and other products for Disney. 

I believe this is a chance to reinvent two of the most classic series in Hollywood: Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The name of each film alone is enough to make a profit, but the quality has been downhill over the past few years, particularly that of the most recent Indiana Jones film, which was received poorly by critics. Disney can inject new life, through new production, direction, or acting, and recreate the popular series, much like those of James Bond and The Pink Panther.