Learning English

The business of Star Wars

The seventh Star Wars movie has been shown for the first time in Hollywood. Finn and Neil discuss the movie and why it's a big deal for Disney. And find out why Neil's voice has changed!

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The story

With a march past of stormtroopers and the robots C3PO and R2D2 rolling down the red carpet, the seventh Star Wars film has had its world premiere in Hollywood.

The movie, The Force Awakens, stars many of the actors who appeared in the original science fiction trilogy, more than 30 years ago.

Report from the BBC's entertainment correspondent, Lizo Mzimba

The world premiere was one of the biggest events Hollywood has ever seen. It's a sign of the affection that fans feel for the science fiction saga, as well as the anticipation for the first Star Wars film in more than 30 years to feature the actors from the original trilogy. Disney paid more than $4bn for Lucasfilm and the rights to the Star Wars franchise. The entertainment giant needs the new films to be a huge success with audiences in order to make that money back.

Key words and phrases

franchise
an agreement to sell a company or brand's products, using their name

merchandising
the business of selling products connected to a popular film or performer or event

cash cow
product or service that continually makes a lot of money

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