Has Disney Ignored Original Star Wars Ideas in Favor of Profit?

Disney has gained a reputation for adapting and reinterpreting intellectual properties from various sources, a practice that has sparked debate about the use and freedom of original ideas in the Star Wars franchise. Critics argue that Disney has consistently overlooked or sidelined original plans and ideas for Star Wars, particularly those coming from George Lucas himself. This article explores the reasons behind Disney's decision-making process and its impact on the Star Wars universe.

George Lucas and the Abandonment of Underworld

One of the earliest instances of Disney's handling of Star Wars ideas was George Lucas' decision to abandon the Star Wars Underworld television series. Although Lucas had multiple episode scripts written, he felt there was no economical way to produce them. Despite this, Disney never resurrected the project and has not provided a public explanation for the decision. Lucas himself suggested that reworking the project would have disappointed fans. However, elements from the script eventually found their way into the films produced by Disney, indicating some level of influence.

Rejection of Lucas' Sequel Trilogy

Another instance that drew criticism was Disney's rejection of George Lucas' story treatment for a sequel trilogy. Although the company did not publicly disclose the reasoning for their rejection, Lucas mentioned that the treatment would have been unpopular among fans. Nevertheless, some elements from the treatment were integrated into the films eventually produced. This raises questions about Disney's creative vision and their willingness to consider and incorporate new ideas.

Reclassification of Expanded Universe Books

In 2014, Disney reclassified the Star Wars Expanded Universe books from "book canon" to "non-canon." This move was made in response to the creation of new projects, particularly films, without being constrained by previously written novels. My hypothesis is that Disney wanted future writers working on Star Wars projects to have more creative freedom without being restricted by Lucasfilm's previous creative output.

Disney's Approach to Intellectual Property

It is important to recognize that The Walt Disney Company has a history of utilizing intellectual properties from various sources. Their approach to using ideas from folklore, fairy tales, and other properties is well-established. During Bob Iger's tenure as CEO, Disney purchased several properties, including The Muppets, Pixar, Marvel, and 20th Century Fox, rather than focusing solely on developing original content. This strategy allows Disney to diversify its portfolio and reduce risk.

Profit Over Creativity?

While Disney does value creativity, there is a strong emphasis on profitability. They are less concerned about the origin of ideas as long as they contribute to the bottom line. Ideas that come from sources outside their own intellectual property are generally avoided to prevent legal complications. Fan-submitted ideas and fan fiction are also not utilized due to the risk of lawsuits for plagiarism. However, when talented individuals such as J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson bring their own ideas, Disney is open to their creative vision.

Creative Freedom and Collaboration

The approach taken by Dave Filoni in creating TV shows for Disney, particularly The Mandalorian, demonstrates a balance between original ideas and market success. Filoni's involvement in creative decisions for these projects suggests that Disney values creative freedom and the ability to adapt and rework stories as needed. The success of these shows is a key factor in their willingness to allow Filoni to pursue his ideas.

Conclusion

While Disney has been criticized for ignoring original ideas in the Star Wars universe, it is important to consider the context of their decision-making process. Disney's approach to intellectual property and its emphasis on creative freedom are driven by the goal of maximizing profitability. The success of the projects under Dave Filoni's guidance highlights the company's willingness to adapt and rework ideas to achieve the best outcomes.