Disney's Star Wars

This academic collection examines the seismic shift in the Star Wars universe following Disney's 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm, bringing together twenty-one media studies scholars to dissect the franchise's corporate revival. The book focuses on the crucial period from the purchase through The Force Awakens era, capturing the intense fan speculation and critical discourse that defined this transitional chapter. These essays delve into the complex relationship between corporate ownership and creative legacy, analyzing how Disney's stewardship reshaped the galaxy far, far away. The anthology provides a scholarly framework for understanding the cultural and industrial forces that transformed this beloved franchise.

What makes this volume particularly compelling is its unflinching look at fan reactions, including the anti-commercial sentiments and resistance that emerged from certain sectors of the fandom. The diverse international perspectives offer nuanced insights beyond simple praise or condemnation, exploring the tension between nostalgia and innovation that characterized Disney's early Star Wars strategy. Media scholars and serious fans seeking deeper understanding of franchise economics and fan culture will find this critical analysis invaluable. This collection ultimately provides the intellectual tools to comprehend how corporate ownership and fan identity collide in modern media landscapes.