With the help of the latest film in the iconic sci-fi franchise, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Disney's Star Wars films have eclipsed $4 billion in worldwide ticket sales, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The high amount becomes even more remarkable of a milestone when you realize that it means Walt Disney Co. has essentially recouped the $4.06 billion price tag it paid to acquire Lucasfilm back in 2012. Of course, the move was considered a good business acquisition by Disney at the time that was sure to provide long-term benefits, thanks to acquiring the beloved Star Wars franchise, but seeing such a substantial return after only five years is an impressive feat nonetheless.
Up to this point, Disney has released three Star Wars films: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which is currently playing in theaters around the world. While the global ticket sales for these three movies has amounted to more than $4 billion, that figure does not take into account the ridiculous costs it takes to make just one of these cinematic spectacles. However, it also does not account for the astronomical amount of money that the hoards of jedi-obsessed superfans spend on licensed merchandise or money that is made off of theme park attractions either. So after taking it all into account, Disney could still very well have made back its money already.
Officially opening on Dec. 15, The Last Jedi is the latest film from the Star Wars franchise. Despite receiving lukewarm reviews from fans up to this point, it has still largely been a critical success and grossed roughly $892 million in worldwide sales as of Dec. 27, according to Box Office Mojo. Disney's original debut into the Star Wars franchise back in December 2015 with Star Wars: The Force Awakens grossed $2.068 billion globally, including a record $936.7 million in the U.S. alone, while last year's holiday release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story raked in $1.056 billion worldwide.
It seems like it is only a matter of time before Disney monopolizes the entire blockbuster movie industry. It already controls two of the most successful brands in film, Lucasfilm and Marvel Entertainment, and most recently acquired select parts of 21st Century Fox for the steal price of only $52.4 billion.
