After developing the concept what would eventually become Avatar for over a decade, James Cameron finally began developing the project in earnest in 2005/2006, with 20th Century Fox's reluctant backing. The key word here is "reluctant". They were very skeptical of the entire project, even as the concept art was being created and Weta Digital was signed on. Apparently, they even went so far as to tell Cameron in mid-2006 that "in no uncertain terms that they were passing on this film", so he began shopping it around elsewhere. Apparently, Disney was very interested in producing the movie, and attempted to take over the project. But, in an eleventh hour decision, Fox officially exercised their right of first refusal, agreeing to greenlight Avatar. The rest is history.
But what if that had not happened, and Disney had in fact produced Avatar? I can't think of any reason that production, casting, or marketing would be extremely different, so I'm forced to assume that it's probably released around the same time as in real life, and probably about as successful (though if anyone has a compelling case for believing the opposite, please share). What happens next will be interesting, though.
I assume Disney's acquisition of Marvel still goes through, but since they already own a massively successful science fiction property with franchise potential, would they still feel the need to go through with buying Star Wars? That in itself could have huge effects down the line. For merchandising reasons, would they pressure Cameron into making the sequels earlier, and maybe even signing off onto spin-offs, TV shows, cartoons, and other media set in the fictional universe?
Or maybe, with the massive success of Avatar under their belt, they go in the opposite direction, not only buying Marvel and Lucasfilm, but trying to make other high-profile acquisitions? Assuming that's the case, what are some likely targets?
Finally, assuming the former scenario is the case, does George Lucas still go ahead and sell Star Wars, but to someone else? If so, who are some potential buyers? Perhaps he goes and sells Lucasfilm to 20th Century Fox, the original distributors, bringing this scenario full circle. If that's the case, I assume the preproduction (what precious little we know of it) on the sequel trilogy shouldn't be too especially different, seeing as Kathleen Kennedy will still be in charge.
Any other thoughts? Suggestions? Comments?
But what if that had not happened, and Disney had in fact produced Avatar? I can't think of any reason that production, casting, or marketing would be extremely different, so I'm forced to assume that it's probably released around the same time as in real life, and probably about as successful (though if anyone has a compelling case for believing the opposite, please share). What happens next will be interesting, though.
I assume Disney's acquisition of Marvel still goes through, but since they already own a massively successful science fiction property with franchise potential, would they still feel the need to go through with buying Star Wars? That in itself could have huge effects down the line. For merchandising reasons, would they pressure Cameron into making the sequels earlier, and maybe even signing off onto spin-offs, TV shows, cartoons, and other media set in the fictional universe?
Or maybe, with the massive success of Avatar under their belt, they go in the opposite direction, not only buying Marvel and Lucasfilm, but trying to make other high-profile acquisitions? Assuming that's the case, what are some likely targets?
Finally, assuming the former scenario is the case, does George Lucas still go ahead and sell Star Wars, but to someone else? If so, who are some potential buyers? Perhaps he goes and sells Lucasfilm to 20th Century Fox, the original distributors, bringing this scenario full circle. If that's the case, I assume the preproduction (what precious little we know of it) on the sequel trilogy shouldn't be too especially different, seeing as Kathleen Kennedy will still be in charge.
Any other thoughts? Suggestions? Comments?
