This is a call to action directed at the Walt Disney Company and Bob Iger to make and release Star Wars Episode VIII.

“Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” thrilled fans and delighted critics alike. It currently enjoys a “93% Fresh” score on RottenTomatoes.com. Almost anyone you talk to will say they loved the new Star Wars, and the world is clamoring for a follow-up. The public outcry is unanimous. And yet seems that it falls to us, the fans, to compel the powers that be to see the light (side) and make the next film.

So how did we get here?

In 2012, when Disney purchased Lucasfilm from its eponymous owner, George Lucas, for 4 billion dollars, they also purchased the monumental task of continuing Lucas’ wildly popular space saga, appropriately titled “Star Wars.” Three years later, director JJ Abrams, screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, and producer Kathleen Kennedy put their heads together, and gave us this thrilling new installment of the beloved sci-fi/fantasy series set in a galaxy long, long ago.

When he released the first Star Wars in 1977, Lucas told fans that he envisioned a nine movie arc. So far, we’ve only gotten seven.

 

Wouldn’t it make sense, then, to make an eighth movie? There are a lot of unanswered questions from this newest installment that very clearly and deliberately lend themselves to sequels, perhaps even more than one. Any filmmaker will tell you that that’s no accident. Or as they say in Star wars, “that’s no moon.”

Eagle-eyed viewers may have also noticed while watching The Force Awakens that we still have a lot to learn about beloved new characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren. There is even growing suspicion among superfans that Rey’s backstory might have something to do with a movie, if it is allowed to be made. Much like our own, this galaxy far, far ago is a living, breathing world. It’s a rich tapestry, and it’s characters have a lot to reveal to us about themselves. Even fan-favorite Kylo Ren might make another appearance.

 

Anything is possible.

On top of all of this, if you read interviews with JJ Abrams, the new steward of the franchise, he makes his intentions to continue the story very clear:

“Abrams: The script for VIII is written... We had meetings with [director] Rian and Ram Bergman, the producer of VIII.” (Wired.com)

Let me summarize that: In JJ Abrams’ mind, the story of Star Wars is not done and he already has a director, a written script, and a producer lined up. All we need to do is just let them do their thing.

So okay, yes, from a storyteller’s perspective, there are plenty of compelling reasons to make another Star Wars movie, but let’s also examine this from a business perspective, because a new Star Wars movie is also sure satisfy the bean counters.

Wakeup call for Bob Iger, or anyone from Disney who might be reading this: The Force Awakens was the fastest movie to ever reach 1 billion dollars in global box office and has grossed over 1.7 billion US dollars as of this writing. 1.7 BILLION DOLLARS USD.

Why stop there, Disney? Do you hate money?

Disney, presumably you bought Lucasfilm in order to make many more Star Wars movies, right? Clearly, producing and releasing the natural sequel to your new smash hit is just good business. Everyone I’ve spoken to about this either agrees with me OR WAS ALREADY UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT AN EIGHTH IS COMING OUT. There you go, Mr. Iger. Your marketing has already been done for you. Your move.

This should be a no brainer.

 

If you love Star Wars, please sign and get involved. I really think if we can drum up enough public interest, this movie has a good shot at getting made. Thanks for reading.