The numbers they don't release are the advertising/marketing campaigns. Some estimates for big movies like these put those budgets, alone, at more than double the production costs. There are also pre-production and post-production costs that we are unaware of.
So I put out a conservative estimate of 4 years. 3 movies ought to put the $4 billion investment into profitability. I don't think Rogue One will break $500 million at the box office. Episode 8 should do almost as well if not better than TFA. That should be enough, if you consider pre-post-and marketing costs.
But you could be right. Merchandising may actually have already put this movie close to profitability for Disney's purchase. But it is highly unlikely they will release those figures to prove that.
It's OK guys, Lucas has gone back on his white slaver comment and released a squeaky clean PC statement to satisfy y'all:
"Disney is doing an incredible job of taking care of and expanding the franchise. I rarely go out with statements to clarify my feelings but I feel it is important to make it clear that I am thrilled that Disney has the franchise and is moving it in such exciting directions in film, television, and the parks."
"Most of all, I'm blown away with the record-breaking blockbuster success of the new movie and am very proud of [director JJ Abrams] and [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]."
I seem to remember that TPM merchandise alone made them earn back the costs of the movie. So I think it is a bargain for Disney, but they have to pour money in it to keep it going. But I think they will do fine.
Was ILM included in the deal though? Someone just mentioned that a few posts before. But I seriously doubt that, ILM is a separate company.
Registered: Mar 2013
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or give him the andy serkis treatment...could you imagine? yuk.
__________________ Your Lord knows very well what is in your heart. Your soul suffices this day as a reckoner against you. I need no witnesses. You do not listen to your soul, but listen instead to your anger and your rage.
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That's not an unreasonable view in of itself, but I think disallowing it on the grounds that no-one else could play a classic-aged Solo is a bit much. I'm willing to give someone a chance- if they are crap, then so be it!
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Registered: Mar 2013
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i just wish they could get past previous storylines and break new ground for the side-projects.
__________________ Your Lord knows very well what is in your heart. Your soul suffices this day as a reckoner against you. I need no witnesses. You do not listen to your soul, but listen instead to your anger and your rage.
Registered: Mar 2013
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...and they made an ewok tv series as well! looks like someone has their weekend planned.
__________________ Your Lord knows very well what is in your heart. Your soul suffices this day as a reckoner against you. I need no witnesses. You do not listen to your soul, but listen instead to your anger and your rage.
Since these weren't taken very seriously (well I would hope not), then an anthology series may not be so bad. As long as it stays clear of the episodes....