Star Wars novelties and attractions seem to keep us spellbound with the recently released The Force Awakens trailer, which concluded in a still unfolding chain of reactions. Just in time with the trailer rush, Variety brought us an exclusive interview with Walt Disney chairman and chief executive officer, Bob Iger and made it obvious that the upcoming Star Wars attractions will be based on new films and not on old ones.
Plans regarding a more developed Star Wars presence in the Disney Theme parks were known from before, but they were only hinted at, with no exact details being given to the large public. Now it is set, the attractions will be based on spin-offs and new sequels, meaning that the creation of those fun-rides will overlap with the work process for Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. Bob Iger made it clear that the decision of renouncing to old films in the favor of new ones was made in the benefit of the worldwide fans, considering that anyone who will have seen episode 7 before arriving at the Disney premises will not feel enthusiastic about the old world: “I didn’t want someone to say, ‘I just saw the movie and there’s nothing in that movie in this (attraction),” he said. “We waited to see what this film would have in it.” Anyway, the Star Tours attraction at Disneyland already contains details pertaining to the old movies, so the upcoming more complex rides will come in connection with the following productions.
Bob Iger is aware of the important position he gained as deliverer of Star Wars thrills into the Disney Universe and considers it as both a privilege and a responsibility: “We need to treat this very special. It’s an unbelievable privilege and unbelievable responsibility to take a jewel and treat it in a way that is respectful of its past but brings it into the future.” The key element in this past-future equation is the fan of the franchise and the possible Disney attender, as the idea of new film based Star Wars attractions traces the needs of the adventure and fantasy seekers.