Star Wars’ first release in 1977 brought in millions of dollars that revolutionized movie merchandising. Apart from producing a brilliant and futuristic world, George Lucas did a great job promoting the movies.
What started as a hesitant decision quickly scored the top spots on billboards, box office, and in the revenue market. Each year on May 4th Star Wars successfully manages to sell hundreds of space merchandise earning millions of dollars. According to Forbes Star Wars has sold over $70 Billion worth of goods.
Fans love the iconic lightsabers, the weapons of the civilized, marking lightsabers alone as the highest-sold science fiction merch. In this post, we will explore a humble beginning that climbed the social revenue ranks through a clever scheme of contracts and collaborations.
Risk with Movie Merchandising
When Star Wars was released success in the science fiction genre was hard enough, let alone starting a merchandise of a failed project. While signing the rights with 20th Century Fox, George Lucas held onto the Star Wars merch copyrights.
Lucas’ efforts in production, advanced effects, and fantastic screenwriting paid off as Star Wars skyrocketed. He hoped the popularity of the space fantasy would expand so enthusiasts would be interested in snatching the exclusive merch off the stores.
The first Star Wars figures and planes merch release by Kenner products was sold out within days. The novel idea of owning mechanical figures was too enchanting for the aficionados to give up. Kenner famously started the empty box campaign where they promised a voucher for future predictions in empty boxes as they were unable to keep up with the high seasonal demand.
Lightsabers: The Weapons of Jedi
Lightsabers are more than gadgets. It is a Star Wars phenomenon that is a must. From affordable custom sabers to crazy expensive ones, a variety is available in the smart gadget market. Small and large businesses are trying to decode the production of a realistic lightsaber because of the revenue generation a product like this will promise.
Currently, battery-operated plastic lightsaber toys are kids’ favorite. As for adult fans companies like Hasbro, Disney, Ultra, and Neosabers have introduced LED blades, advanced soundboard lightsabers that are closest to the fictional plasma blades. They offer intricate designs, motion sensing, and ignition modes presenting wielders with an immersive Star Wars experience.
The Space Odyssey collectors and duel enthusiasts have devoted themselves to an impressive lightsaber cosplay.
Fim Franchise, Videogames & More
Star Wars original movie trilogies have laid the groundwork for the success of the TV franchise. The movies planted the seeds of curiosity and anticipation among the audience.
Star Wars Episode VII -The Force Awakens was globally labeled the highest-grossed film in 2015.
Although the story is about the good old fight between good and evil. George Lucas has enriched the plotline with innovative gadgets, terrains, and creatures expanding the universe into an extraordinary world.
Star Wars movie trilogies and spinoffs are worth a staggering $10.3 Billion. Apart from the films Star Wars Legacy world is full of comics, novels, video games, and the web world. The advanced multiplayer games like Star Wars Lego ensures the younger generation connects to the worldwide sensation.
Collaboration With Disney Plus
2012, acquisition of LucasFilm by Disney, marked the era of a new beginning for Star Wars. Disney has collaborated and licensed campaigns that have doubled the popularity of the TV series.
Disney’s marketing strategy is on a whole new level. Multimedia production has brought the Star Wars world to us in the form of theme parks and hotels like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Fans get to be a part of the exclusive lightsaber and droid-building process. Star Tours and Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is another realistic adventure example offering Star Wars-themed food, costumes, technology, toys, and more.
The seamless business merger between the experimental and entertainment world has hooked fans of all demographics and ages.
Cultural Significance
Star Wars has now become a permanent part of our lives. It is one thing to admire a movie and leave it at that. Due to Star Wars merchandise, space fantasy is everywhere. The constant reference to pop culture rekindles our force spirits.
Social media is another big reason, we can connect with the Star Wars cast, producers, engineers, and analysts. Fans come together to discuss theories and ideas. Culturally Star Wars has brought us all together updating us on the newest trends and upcoming series.
Conclusion
Star Wars has long exceeded the limits of a mere TV franchise. Now it is a globally recognized artwork generating billions and thus directly impacting the revenue. Nothing about Star Wars was ever meant to be ordinary. It has become a billion-dollar industry thanks to the fans and the ever-expanding universe, which continues to offer intense storylines.
