Now that we know when Star Wars: Episode VII is coming out, Disney CEO Bob Iger is going to have to explain the decision to not release the film during the typical May timeframe picked for all six previous Star Wars films. Iger has also discussed plans for more Star Wars theme park attractions and the new Marvel deal with Netflix.
During an interview with Bloomberg after the studio released its latest quarterly report, Iger explained that they did think about releasing Episode VII during summer 2015. However, with the recent change with the writing team, the studio felt that it would be rushing the process. So, the Dec. 18, 2015 date was ultimately chosen.
Iger noted that it’s the same date that 20th Century Fox’s Avatar came out in 2009, so he hopes that this is a good sign for the film’s success.
TheForce.net notes that in the same interview, Iger said that they are looking to expand presense of Star Wars in the Disney parks.
“There is a fair amount of development going on at Disney Imagineering right now to expand the Star Wars presence in California and in Orlando, and then eventually in other parks around the world,” Iger said. "It's probably likely that Star Wars will be in more than just our two domestic parks."
While speaking with analysts on Thursday, Iger also addressed the new Marvel deal with Netflix, in which the studio has agreed to produce shows based on Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Jessica Jones other Marvel characters. The shows are expected in 2015.
He said that the characters would likely have never been turned into feature films as they are “not among the most popular” Marvel characters. The deal is “a great opportunity for Marvel to create more brand value…There are more opportunities beyond our platform to produce product for,” Iger added.
image: Wikimedia Commons
