I recently bought some Star Wars (pre disney) expanded universe books and comic books from my local used book store and it got me thinking. Star Wars was probably my biggest "nerd interest" growing up and when I was 12 I got Heir to the Empire for my birthday. It was exciting because I didn't know there were books took place in the Star Wars universe. I even was excited at the time when I heard Disney bought Lucasfilm (yes I was very naive).
Honestly Star Wars (and to a lesser extent Ghostbusters) should be a lesson on how not to handle a franchise. Yes, the sequel trilogy made money, but I think it could've made even more money. It still baffles me that nobody thought "you know maybe having Luke be a grumpy hermit that does nothing might not be the best thing" or "not having Luke or the Jedi Academy in episode 7 might not be a good idea". Also Kathleen Kennedy has the same poisonous mindset that a lot of people in charge of IPs I have enjoyed do of hiring people who hate the product or putting diversity over good storytelling.
There were already women who liked Star Wars but I guess she was mad in general that the hobby consisted of mostly men. I remember a sequel lover called me sexist for not liking TLJ and I told them that I would've loved a sequel trilogy where Jaina Solo was the main protagonist. Of course they didn't know who Jaina Solo was. Also Mara Jade was very popular! A slam dunk for Disney had they used her.
But anyway, I no longer have Disney Plus and I really have no interest in the shows since they all lead to the disney timeline. Does anyone have faith that Star Wars can make blockbusters again? Like I said, Star Wars should be example number one on how not to treat fans.
Hamill and Fisher were only willing to return if Ford did. It was a polite "no" because they knew Harrison Ford would never do another Star Wars movie.
Then Disney offered to kill off his character and he signed.
So really, the lesson is, never count on others.
That’s a good point
"So really, the lesson is, never count on others."
Really, the lesson should have taught you that everyone is ultimately self-interested. This is fine and natural. The danger comes from being convinced that humans are not self-interested (communalists push this, as well as women) and planning your life around this false piece of information.
You can count on others. If it's in their best interest. If you are a valuable member of their community, you will likely be able to count on them. It benefits them. This is how real communities work. It is the height of arrogance to expect to be protected and provided for by someone who you have not sacrificed for, never plan to sacrifice for, and they know it. They know there is no possibility of reciprocation.
That's not "counting on someone", that's asking for a free handout.