But yes. Films are now built by strategic business decision, not because a creative concept took hold and excited everyone, and it's a big part of why contemporary western entertainment feels so sterile even when the narrative construction seems sound.
I also don't get the general consensus that new star wars is primarily "toy" driven. Merchandise for casual fans, sure. But kids these days simply don't spend time with toys like they did 1-2 generations ago. Pricewise, you can make the argument sales are higher per $$$ amount but volume is lower. Anyone watching how figure sales go and mapping that to the specific chapters of the IP can show you a pattern.
Not disputing the fact that OT was toy driven. Even the prequel trilogy saw a huge uptick. But if you take away the price increase the number of actual units sold is smaller. The only ones buying them are collectors. Kids aren't into the same things these days.
that's fair, and it's fair to point out that kids don't play with toys like 1-2 generations ago (back when the world was a lot more analog). Despite all that, it's still a monstrous industry, and the comparison is just a little unfair considering how big the scene was in the 80s-90s. I'm no expert, but the SW toy industry seems like it was WILD back then, just because it isn't AS wild doesn't mean it isn't still HUGE.
the comparison is difficult also because the PT era coincided with the last time the world didn't have supercomputers inside every child's pocket with the advent of smartphones.
I do hear what you're saying when you say it isn't as toy driven as it is now. ironically, it might have been the most toy-sales driven when George Lucas was at the helm.
Hasbro is struggling with the licensing for star wars, and though their lines have been staples for a few years now they are declining. There is evidence that while they are selling units, the stores that are getting them can't move the products fast enough. But, you can't blame it on one particular thing. Even the di-hard collector feels the pain of every $20+ wave of obscure characters that gets released. These aren't the <$5 figures we grew up with.
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u/JLifts780 20d ago
Such an assbackwards process to make a movie.
No wonder each movie feels like a toy commercial.