Disney's Star Wars Strategy: A Yearly Release or Separate Anthologies?

With Disney's ambitious plans to release a Star Wars movie at least once a year, the question arises: should they proceed with this strategy or explore alternative approaches? This article explores the challenges and opportunities of both options while offering insights into a more sustainable and fan-engaging multi-year strategy for the Star Wars franchise.

Should Disney Release a New Star Wars Movie Every Year?

Delving into the question, it is less about how often to release a movie and more about how well these movies are executed. A big-budget film typically demands a two-to-three-year production timeline, making yearly releases highly challenging. Instead of rushing through releases to meet timelines, Disney should prioritize high-quality productions.

A long-term strategy prescribed by successful franchises like the Lord of the Rings and Miraculous Cinematic Universe highlights the importance of consistent storytelling and cohesive production. These franchises managed to maintain a streamlined narrative progression, with the same casts and crews contributing to the overall saga. In contrast, the Frankenstein approach adopted by Star Wars, particularly with the Solo: A Star Wars Story and the divisive The Last Jedi, resulted in a disjointed narrative and inconsistent characterisations.

Challenges and Aftermath of Recent Releases

The recent releases Episode VIII: The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story faced significant criticism for their narrative inconsistencies and unheralded character developments. This backlash was exacerbated further by the social media fallout between Kathleen Kennedy and Rian Johnson, leading to a divide among Star Wars fans. Disney's poorly managed decision to bring in new directors for different installments disrupted the continuity and fan engagement with the Skywalker saga.

A reevaluation is necessary to regain fan trust and ensure future Star Wars films align with viewers' expectations. The solution lies in removing individuals involved in recent controversies and finding new directors with deep roots in Star Wars lore. This shift would empower the narrative with more dedicated storytellers who can bring the franchise back on track.

Alternative Approaches: Anthology Films and Consistent Storytelling

Instead of sticking to a strict yearly schedule, Disney might consider a more flexible approach that combines anthology films with theatrical releases. For instance, they could focus on complete trilogies overseen by a single director, ensuring a cohesive story arc. This approach was successfully employed in the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter franchises.

For the Anthology films, Disney can draw inspiration from lesser-known Star Wars characters and spin-off stories to diversify the franchise. Rereleasing animatics for Willow, adapting Monkey Island, or even creating a new original IP could captivate a wide audience and expand the Star Wars universe. These anthology films can provide diverse content without compromising the narrative integrity of the main saga.

Future Direction: The Marvel Cinematic Universe Model

To ensure a balanced mix of new and evolving stories, Disney should emulate Marvel Studios' approach. Marvel's success lies in their strategy of distributing stories across multiple films while maintaining a coherent narrative framework. Characters like Loki, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man have separate arcs that occasionally intersect with the Avengers storyline.

Disney should apply the same strategy to Star Wars, allowing for the exploration of diverse settings and time periods. Filmmakers like J.J. Abrams could continue the Skywalker saga by piecing together the fragmentary timeline of the new films. Additionally, incorporating future-based stories and expanding the timeline can introduce fresh ideas and foster character growth over time. This would avoid the cyclical derivative nature of current films and offer a more expansive storyline for audiences.

In conclusion, while Disney's rapid release strategy may seem lucrative in the short term, it risks alienating fans and diluting the Star Wars brand. By adopting a more thoughtful and planned approach, focusing on high-quality productions and diverse storytelling, Disney can ensure a sustainable and fan-engaging future for the Star Wars franchise.