Is Disney Quietly Shopping the Star Wars Franchise?

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Rumors are swirling that Disney may be attempting to sell the Star Wars franchise, with industry sources indicating the media giant has been shopping the iconic brand for several months without success.

According to Chris Gore, a financial insider, Disney CEO Bob Iger has imposed restrictions on Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, signaling a potential shift in strategy for one of the company’s most valuable properties. Gore disclosed that a trusted contact from the finance sector revealed Disney has been seeking buyers for Star Wars for approximately seven months, yet has found no takers.

“This is from a friend who is not in the nerd space, not in the YouTube space, not a media person—this is a friend in the world of finance,” Gore said. “They have been shopping it for seven months and can’t find a buyer.”

The uncertainty surrounding the franchise is amplified by Kennedy’s impending departure and the lack of major Star Wars films currently in production. The only upcoming project on Lucasfilm’s release slate is a new season of The Mandalorian, with no new films set to debut since the last release six years ago.

On the streaming side, both Skeleton Crew and The Acolyte have reportedly underperformed on Disney+, raising questions about the future of Star Wars on television. Upcoming projects include Andor, set to premiere in April, while rumors abound regarding the uncertain fate of Ahsoka Season 2.

Despite initial enthusiasm, there are hints that the Star Wars brand is losing its luster. “Consumer producers and merchandise are in the gutter,” Gore stated. He suggests that the branding’s decline under Kennedy’s leadership has made it less appealing to potential buyers, who are likely wary of the franchise’s recent performance issues.

Disney purchased Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas in 2012 for $4 billion, and sources indicate the asking price now could be significantly higher. Big tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, Comcast, and Netflix have been mentioned as possible suitors due to their expansive streaming services.

Hollywood insiders are speculating that if Disney is serious about selling, the asking price and recent performance issues could deter potential buyers. “Nobody seems interested in Star Wars,” Gore added. “Potential buyers probably look at what happened with the movies and TV shows and scoff at purchasing Star Wars for billions and billions.”

While speculation continues, another option for Disney could involve licensing out the Star Wars brand to offset its production costs while retaining ownership. As the spotlight shines on Disney’s potential strategies, the future of Star Wars remains uncertain in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Matt McGloin, the founder of Cosmic Book News, noted for his entertainment scoops, believes that a lucrative offer could still attract interest, albeit at a considerable price point. “I would bet if the price is right someone would scoop it up in a heartbeat,” he said, suggesting that Disney’s asking price may not align with current market sentiment.