Scared of Disney Running Star Wars Into the Ground? Don't Be.

          As of October 30th, 2012 Disney is now the sole owner of Lucasfilm and all of it's properties, including Industrial Light & Magic, Skywalker Sound, Indiana Jones, and the Star Wars Franchise. The internet is in panic mode with the latest purchase with claims that Star Wars will be "childish" or "ruined" but there is nothing further from the truth. To understand what I mean, let's first discuss what "Disney" means.
          Disney is shorthand for The Walt Disney Company, the world's largest media conglomerate located in Burbank, California. They employ over 100,000 people worldwide (60,000 in Orlando alone). The employees are oftentimes called "Cast Members" because the goal is to put on a show. But Disney owns a lot more than just Walt Disney World. It's Parks & Resorts divisions controls four resorts around the world with one more on the way (and one in Tokyo that is licensed out to the Oriental Land & Sea Co). They operate four Cruise ship and 24 hotels in the United States alone. What is really sad is that I know all of this without looking it up. They operate a timeshare division called the "Disney Vacation Club" and give worldwide expeditions via "Adventures by Disney". Their theme parks have had Star Wars attractions since 1987 and an annual Star Wars Weekend since 1993. Needless to say, Disney is no stranger to Star Wars.
          "The Little Mermaid", "Pulp Fiction", "Beauty and the Beast", "Trainspotting",  "Cinderella", "Gangs of New York", and "Chicago". What do all of these films have in common? All produced and distributed by Disney. The Walt Disney Company needs to keep the Disney "image" clean and wholesome so it releases certain films under other banners. Disney releases all of it's "adult" content through Touchstone Pictures and formerly through Miramax, Hollywood Pictures, and Dimension Films. The upcoming Star Wars films will be released under the "Lucasfilms" banner and even though it is distributed by Disney, they will not attach their logo to the beginning (Disney has not made this statement, but it is easy to connect the dots). Disney took the same approach with "The Avengers" this summer by just placing the Marvel logo at the beginning of the film.
           The Walt Disney Company is no stranger to the acquiring business. Disney CEO Bob Iger has already acquired PIXAR, Marvel and Lucasfilm in his tenure. Disney has taken the same approach with each one by stepping back and letting them all work their magic. The people who work in the Burbank office are not idiots, they want these companies because they are successful, they aren't going to go and ruin it by putting Mickey Mouse everywhere. PIXAR still operates out of the same Emeryville building, Marvel still operates out of New York City and Lucasfilms will still operate out of the Presidio in San Francisco (coincidentally within walking distance of the Walt Disney Family Museum - which is not operated by the Walt Disney Company).
           What else does Disney own? ABC, ESPN, The Muppets Studio and A&E Networks. Fan of "Lost"? Disney made it. "Scrubs", "Desperate Houswives", "Boy Meets World"? Disney made those too. We can thank Disney for most of the sporting events we watch. Some of the best mobile apps are owned made by Disney. If you've never played "Where's My Water", you're missing out. Let's be real for a second, though. The movies they DO release under the Disney brand are almost always outstanding. The Disney renaissance in the 80's and 90's was perhaps the best stretch of movie making, animated OR live-action, since the Golden Age of Hollywood. The only concern should be that Disney owns too much and is turning into an "Empire" of it's own, not that it won't do Star Wars justice (clearly you haven't seen Episode 1).
           If you're worried because you think Star Wars is going to somehow be incorporated into the Theme Parks and Disney Merchandise..... wake up and smell the roses, this has been going on for years. If you're worried because you think Disney will "ruin" the Star Wars movies, you are naive. The same thing was said after they purchased Marvel, yet no one will argue how terrific they have done since then. Princess Leia won't become a Disney Princess, and if you're concerned about an animated Star Wars (it already exists).
          In full disclosure, I do work for Disney but this doesn't make what I've said any less true. But don't take my word for it, wait until you see the film in 2015. And let's be honest, fan boys are going to love it regardless.