With the newest installment of Star Wars fast approaching, many companies are releasing merchandise for fans of the series. Traditionally, things like clothing and figurines were popular ways to pay tribute to the fandom. In recent weeks, the products made available to fans of the series have expanded to attract a wider and more diverse audience.
Like most fandoms, Star Wars merchandise has been focused on iconic images and phrases from the series. This practice has continued, but with a dramatic increase in prevalence. Star Wars merchandise can be found in almost any category of retail and has become increasingly more popular as we approach the release date.
Recently, CoverGirl released a new line of Star Wars themed cosmetics inspired by the characters of the series. Some of the products on the line include a golden lipstick inspired by C-P30, as well as tubes of mascara sporting popular quotes from the series, such as “Do. Or do not try. There is no try.” This is the first time any company has incorporated Star Wars into makeup, drawing inspiration from the popularization of limited edition lines based off of movies.
The inspired makeup line is just one example of how the franchise is expanding its horizons in the fan base. In fact, merchandise has become so expansive that it’s showing up in the form of R2-D2 measuring cups, high-end Darth Vader watches, and Lego photo shoots.
The series has managed to gain more popularity with the new installment, while still retaining old fans. Furthermore, the franchise has attracted a fan base that is decidedly more diverse. It has become a beloved fandom to people from all walks of life, catering to fans of all ages and interests.
The Star Wars franchise was also recently bought out by Disney for $4 billion. In an interview with Variety, Star Wars creator, George Lucas, said, “You go to make a movie, and all you do is get criticized […] and it’s not much fun.” The Lucasfilm production company, founded by Lucas, was acquired by Disney back in 2012. Consequently, Lucas lost his creative licence over the Star Wars films after the sale.
Disney has been known to make inclusive films in recent years, a trait which may be transferred into The Force Awakens. Disney’s movies have been working to break down barriers of race and gender roles in many of their more recent films. The majority of human roles in past Star Wars installments have been occupied by white men, which Disney seems set on changing. The Force Awakens reflects this change through the addition of more female characters, as well as the addition of two new black characters.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set to release on Dec. 18, 2015 in Canadian theatres.