A galactic offering
Star Wars theme parks are set to become next big attraction at Disney
R2-D2 will be rolling into Mickey Mouse’s neighbourhood, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced recently, unveiling plans for two huge Star Wars theme parks adjacent to existing US venues in Florida and California.
Iger was speaking at Disney’s biannual D23 expo at the convention centre in Anaheim, which has drawn fans and media representatives from around the glob
He said that after Disney’s US$4 billion (RM16.52 billion) purchase of Lucasfilm three years ago, “we wanted to bring Star Wars to every corner of our company … not only on screens but in real life”.
Iger added: “We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest singlethemed land expansion ever.
“These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.”
In addition to that battle experience, visitors will be able to drive “one of the most recognisable ships in the galaxy”, the Millennium Falcon, on a secret mission, Iger said.
The Star Wars parks will be in Orlando, next to Disney Hollywood Studios, and in Anaheim, next to Disneyland.
The 14-acre (5.6ha) sites will have their own staff, and restaurants will be staffed by wild creatures from the space saga.
“You’ll have a chance to run into all the droids and fantastic beasts,” Iger added.
It’s the first time the entertainment giant is trying the Star Wars theme at its parks.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said that on the heels of his smashing success with Jurassic World, director Colin Trevorrow would be at the helm for the upcoming Star Wars Episode IX, which is due out in 2019.
The cast of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, the next chapter in the wildly-popular franchise, drew a massive round of cheering, particularly for Ford, known for playing Han Solo.
As part of its strategy to squeeze the most out of the Star Wars universe, Disney plans to release one film a year until 2019.
After Episode VII will come Rogue One, in December 2016.It is currently filming with Gareth Edwards ( Godzilla) directing, and starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker. – AFP