Did anyone else read DD's quote and catch a bit disdain for collectors (who they now cater to)?

If it means OT goodness, I'm in.

I saw the "15th Cantina alien" remark as a bit of tough truth more than anything else.  As time has gone on Hasbro has made a lot of definitive versions of the main characters while working through the more obscure background characters.  Over time that narrows the pool of characters that might have a broader appeal, and ultimately that may hurt sales.  Why?  Because a kid may not really care about getting a Danz Borin figure, or whichever other cantina character you want to insert into that scenario.

I think from a sales perspective, Hasbro is still banking on the Star Wars line having mass appeal to a wide audience.  And it's in the name of sales to both kids and collectors.  I think what we're very likely to see is this:  higher production numbers of the kids oriented line, along with greater shelf & peg space, and lower production numbers on the Black Series, but with an eye towards serving collectors.

My predictions?

Han Solo (ANH)
Boba Fett (TESB)
Darth Vader (ANH)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (ROTS)

News is coming out that in addition to J.J. Abrams signing on to direct Episode VII, there is no longer a commitment to (presumably) a May 2015 release date.  That is now a soft date that is changeable due to the needs of production.  Check out this Hollywood Reporter article for the details.  And notably this quote:

Episode VII is set for release in 2015, but sources say Abrams has not committed to that release date, meaning the date could be changed if the development process requires it.

Gloin's absence is a little weird.  IIRC, someone mentioned that the Bridge Direct also has the license for LOTR, correct?  So perhaps they would do a Gloin / Gimli 2-pack?

As this arc goes on Maul is coming across as a much more complex and fleshed out character. His manipulation of the various factions has been very deft, and he's showing himself to be much more the Master to Savage Opress's apprentice.  And his fight with Pre Viszla?  It was one of the best moments of the season, if not one of the best duels of the series.  Viszla armed with his dark saber as well as the Mandalorian armor against an agile Force wielding Sith with a lightsaber made for some of the best combat we've seen in the series.  And you have to appreciate that Maul was struggling somewhat since he seems to be getting accustomed to the cybernetic legs that the Death Watch gave him.

Where does this all go?  Well, the season trailer with Sidious has to give you some indication that things are going to get more .... complicated.  And there's also the matter of Obi-Wan getting involved in the conflict, which we also saw in the early trailers.  I have to suspect that he may join forces with Bo Katan's faction in an attempt to restore Satine to power.

But the most interesting thing about this Maul/Savage/Death Watch arc?  We're getting into characters whose future doesn't have the level of certainty of the mainstays like Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, Yoda, etc.  We all know that those characters survive the Clone Wars to make it to the events of Episode III.  With the characters in the past couple of episodes we just don't know how things will shake out, and for me that makes for a much more compelling storyline.

Quote from: Nicklab on December 28, 2012, 12:47 AM

Sad to hear that we won't be witness to how JJ Abrams would try to shoehorn some lens flare into the Star Wars saga. 

You can leave that to Drew Struzan 

Struzan....OUT!

The Star Wars one-sheet artist made this statement on his Facebook page:

Misunderstood…

A couple of friends at Disney were fantasizing about the new STAR WARS movies.

"Disney" has said nothing to me and I expect nothing. That a couple of friends were wishing is only an expression of the hope that many are sharing but says nothing regarding the Studio itself. Even if 'they' did ask, which Disney has not, I'd rather leave the new films to the next generation to interpret. I've had my time and they were exceptional blessings for which I will forever be grateful.

Tomorrow is a new day…drew

I don't think it's necessarily a shift in costs for the existing toy business model.  And I don't think it's a case of Hasbro VS Mattel VS McFarlane, etc. 

I think it's more of a case of the toy industry we know as a whole VS companies like Apple, etc.  Apple devices and similar personal electronics are proving to be more of a kid's play platform.  Especially since devices like iPods and iPads are designed to support applications/software that appeal to kids as well as adults.  If you look at parents discretionary spending on their kids, I think you'll find a growing shift away from the toy aisle toward these personal electronic platforms and their related software / apps.

THIS is the big fight that Hasbro and other toy business companies need to be wary of.  I think they're far more worried about the Apples of the world than any other traditional toy company.