‘Star Wars’ Film Tie-Ins Out in Force

0
‘Star Wars’ Film Tie-Ins Out in Force
May Force Be With Shoe: Lightsaber Lace Up heels.

When “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opens this week, the Walt Disney Co. is inevitably going to make a fortune on ticket sales – but that will only be part of the total revenue. The media empire is also making galaxy-size earnings from merchandise associated with the movie.

Sales of toys, T-shirts, action figures and video games tied to the film could bring in well above $2.5 billion in revenue, according to various reports, with the Burbank entertainment empire banking about one-fifth of that in royalties, according to analysts.

Adding to the haul will be a wide range of stylish fashion items including limited-edition “Star Wars” shoes called Skywalker Lightsaber Lace Up heels, sold by U.K.-based retailer Irregular Choice for $323 a pair. A version of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber in each heel emanates a blue flash with each step while the right shoe features a tiny speaker that plays sounds of space battles. Batteries of the booties can be recharged with a USB microcable.

But not all items will be that expensive. Retailers have also loaded their aisles with plenty of budget-friendly products for under $10, including can coolers, character masks and Christmas stockings.

As was the case with the six previous films in the series, action figures are proving popular. Six-inch figures of new characters introduced in “The Force Awakens,” such as Kylo Ren, Finn, Poe Dameron and Rey, sell for $25.

There’s even something for pets of “Star Wars” fanatics. Amazon.com Inc. is selling an At-At Walker dog costume, a wearable version of a four-legged combat vehicle featured in the space saga.

Sean McGowan, a senior analyst at New York’s Oppenheimer & Co., who focuses on toy manufacturers, video games and other makers of consumer products, estimates Disney will make about $450 million to $500 million in royalties from toy sales, alone.

“I think total wholesale shipments of toys will be nearly $2.5 billion,” McGowan said. “On video games, they could get another $100 million-ish in royalties.”

– Olga Grigoryants

No posts to display