Disney prepares new Star Wars trilogy

The executives at Disney are preparing to make a sequel trilogy to the original Star Wars films.

The announcement of a new trilogy brings the possibility of new merchandise which may help increase sales for local stores by giving them new products to sell. Star Wars has always had a large market when it comes to merchandise with products like Lego, clothing, video games, posters, comic books and action figures. Shawn Cousineau, owner of Rogues Gallery Comics, is a fan of Star Wars and said he likes the idea of a new trilogy.

“I have high hopes. When I was a kid I was always told that there were going to be nine films, I’d like to see what I was promised when I was 12,” said Cousineau.

Cousineau has a life-size statue of the character Yoda on display in his shop and owns an actual storm trooper suit. While the new trilogy has been announced, a director has yet to be chosen for the new films. Cousineau said he would like to see Spielberg direct the next trilogy and Disney owning Lucasfilm could be the best thing for Star Wars. Cousineau also said Disney is smart enough to focus on the merchandising while leaving the films to the creative people.

“They’ve had Marvel now for the last four years and Marvel has done nothing but improve,” said Cousineau.

James Tracey is a student at the University of Windsor who is currently studying Communication, Media and Film.

“I really think they (Disney) know how to handle a large marketable franchise like Star Wars,” said Tracey.

Tracey said he grew up watching the original trilogy with his dad and still holds it close to his heart. Disney announced the first film of the trilogy, Episode VII, is scheduled for release in 2015. Tracey also said he would want see a director like J.J. Abrams or Brad Bird direct the new trilogy.

“Honestly, I’ll just settle for anyone who has a passion for the series like I do,” said Tracey.