Exactly. This is the same problem with Galaxy's Edge as well as the Disney World "cruise". Rather than build parks and experiences based on what was popular -the OT and PT- they built "new" experiences that the fans have no emotional connection to. It should work the other way around.I think it amounts to a fundamental misunderstanding of what fans want vs. what Lucasfilm wants to be popular. Whether that's a toy or a specific character in their latest piece of content.
They wanted Reva to be the next big thing, but her toys and character were only received with mixed reactions. Yet they banked on her being the next SW icon. George did the same with Jar Jar. If even George couldn't get it right, why would Lucasfilm under Disney get it?
The key is writing stories viable enough that the demand for those characters will warrant merchandise, not the other way around. In order to imortalize an icon in plastic, the character needs to be an icon in the story.
I don't care about Batuu or Black Spire Outpost or "To the spires!" or riding around with Hondo or First Order or Resistance or any of it. That place should have been Tatooine as it was originally intended.
Look at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. THAT'S how you do a movie-themed land. If Disney owned Rowling's works, they would've made a Fantastic Beasts land instead. It's a series with a fraction of the HP fanbase but because it's still in its film run, it's deemed to have more "marketing value" when it really doesn't.
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