Season 6 Ep #2 IP State of the Union- Billion Dollar Character Acquisitions- Part 2

In this second installment of “IP State of the Union: Billion-Dollar Character Acquisitions,” IP Goes Pop!® co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue continue their deep dive into the high-stakes world of intellectual property in entertainment. In this episode, they explain the strategic importance of goodwill—the invisible yet invaluable asset that fuels the staying power of iconic franchises like Star Wars.

Part 2 kicks off with an exploration of goodwill, the intangible IP asset that comes from brand loyalty, fan devotion, and a franchise’s cultural impact. The hosts break down how studios like Disney and Warner Bros. leverage goodwill and manage risks and rewards to maintain it when purchasing legendary IP. When companies invest billions in acquiring these properties, the goal isn’t just box office revenue—it’s building long-term equity through licensing, merchandise, theme parks, and fan engagement.

First up in the discussion: Star Wars. From its groundbreaking debut in 1977 to its modern expansion into Disney+ series, the franchise has seen both triumphs and missteps. Our hosts analyze whether the goodwill banked by George Lucas is still paying off or if the galaxy far, far away is losing its luster. With Disney now relying more on TV shows than films, does the future of Star Wars lie in streaming rather than theatrical releases?

Next, the DC Universe. Despite owning Superman and Batman—two of the most beloved and recognizable characters of all time—Warner Bros. has struggled to match Marvel’s cinematic universe of success. The hosts discuss past stumbles, recent shifts under new creative head James Gunn, and what’s at stake for the brand’s future. Can DC finally compete with Marvel’s dominance in 2025?

Finally, they turn to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where public controversies and franchise expansions with mixed results raise critical questions: Can a brand separate from any negativity surrounding a franchise? Will HBO’s upcoming TV reboot breathe new life into the Wizarding World, or will audiences reject a retelling of stories they already know with new actors?

Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a die-hard franchise fan, this episode will change the way you see the business of pop culture.

Timestamps:

(00:34)  Episode Overview

• Part 2 of IP State of the Union - Billion Dollar Character Acquisitions

(02:38) Defining Goodwill or Goodwill in Intellectual Property

• Dictionary definition
• Legal definitions in practice

(06:13) Debut and Early Days of the Star Wars Franchise

• Original trilogy (1977-1983) and its impact
  • A New Hope (Episode IV 1977), Empire Strikes Back (Episode V 1980), Return of the Jedi (Episode VI 1983)
• George Lucas's tinkering with special effects in the 1990s
• Prequel trilogy (1999-2005) and fan reactions
  • Jurassic Park (1993) influence on special effects
• Jar Jar Binks
• The sound of a lightsaber
• Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

(14:07) Disney's handling of the Star Wars franchise

• Disney's Acquisition and Management of Star Wars IP
• Disney's Skywalker trilogy (Episodes 7-9)
  • The Force Awakens (Ep. VII 2015), The Last Jedi (Ep. VIII 2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (Ep. IX 2019)
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Solo movies and TV shows (Mandalorian, Andor, Skeleton Crew)
• Star Wars-themed attractions in Disney parks
  • \ Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (Star Wars Hotel) \
• The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)

(18:26) DC Universe and Warner Brothers

• Superman licensed IP by Warner Bros.
• Original Superman (1978) Movie and its ups and downs
  • Superman II (1980), Superman III, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
• Batman franchise evolution
  • Batman (1989) with Michael Keaton,
  • Batman and Robin (1997) with George Clooney and Arnold Schwarzenegger
  • Batman Begins (2005) with Christian Bale
  • Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) with Ben Affleck
  • The Batman (2022) with Robert Pattinson
• Christopher Nolan
• DC's attempts to create a cinematic universe
  • Justice League (2017) movie and its reception
• James Gunn Taking Over DC Studios
  • Challenges and pressures of managing a major IP portfolio
  • Balancing fan expectations with studio demands

(29:38) The Harry Potter Universe and Challenges to Goodwill

• Public sentiment and impact on franchise goodwill
• Recasting issues and actor controversies
• Rebooting and Parallel Storytelling in Franchises
  • Harry Potter TV series development
  • Dune series and movies released simultaneously as an example of parallel movie and TV adaptations
• Fantastic Beasts spin-off series performance
• Epic Universe Harry Potter Land

(37:05) Final thoughts on managing IP franchises

• Importance of being “good stewards” of IP franchises in order to protect goodwill
• Balancing original content creation with existing IP management