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In the case of Star Wars, the ongoing obsession with merchandise and media reminiscent of the original films hints that Disney could leverage this nostalgia. The concept of "pretending the sequels never happened" has been floated among insiders and fans alike—though it's uncertain if Disney will go this route.
The State of Franchise Spin-offs and Merchandising
Beyond movies, Disney’s merchandise and theme park strategies reinforce the focus on classic characters. Action figures, apparel, and themed experiences largely feature Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and other original characters rather than recent additions like Kylo Ren or Rey.