When I saw the artwork pictured above, I knew that February 10 would be the perfect day to give a first look at some merchandise we are creating for Star Wars Weekends 2012. I couldn’t get over the dramatically awesome pose of Donald Duck playing the role of Darth Maul from “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” I discovered that Tyler Dumas and Casey Jones from Disney Design Group were the artists behind this main merchandise poster artwork. I recently spoke with Tyler about its creation one afternoon while in his office.
“Designing the main poster artwork is a collaborative process that starts with talking to LucasFilm,” explained Tyler. “With the release of ‘Star Wars: Episode I’ in 3D, we wanted Donald Duck to play one of the coolest characters from that film – Darth Maul. We combed over a variety poses for Donald before finding the striking image that was used.”
Tyler told me that there will be two posters this year – one like the image above and one will be a smaller lenticular poster which makes Donald Duck look like he is leaping off the page. Tyler said they incorporated a key learning from Star Wars Weekends 2011 into this year’s poster design.
“The character image will be printed on a white background,” continued Tyler. “Last year, we printed on white as a way to make the image stand out. We noticed that some fans were using the poster to collect autographs. We thought that was a great idea, so we kept the white background.”
The main poster artwork served as inspiration for several new items that will be introduced this year. My Rebel spies were able to obtain samples of three items from Lindsay Voigt, Product Developer for Star Wars Weekends merchandise. One of my favorite items is a sculpted mug designed by Disney artist Brian Blackmore and features Donald Duck. The mug reminded me of a sculpted Chewbacca mug I had growing up.
These three items are only a handful of things we developed. I can’t wait to share additional looks in the coming months (three words – “Look sir, Droids!”). Star Wars Weekends will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning on May 18 and will run through June 10.
Comments
A few years ago, they had a R2D2 DVD player with a Millenium Falcon remote control. It is the one thing my husband regrets not buying. We haven’t seen it since. Any chance that it will appear again this year?
Will there be more merchandise revealed before Star Wars Weekends? I will be there the 1st weekend and can’t wait. Last year was the 1st year I went and couldn’t wait for this year.
When will this merchandise be available at Theme Park Merchandise locations in all parks and Downtown Disney? Or will it be available only at Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends?
Oh no! I hope early march, I will be there on the first and second. I do not want to miss out on the figures!
Being a huge Donald Duck fan, it’s good to see that one of the most important of all Disney characters is being featured. When I go to Walt Disney World, as great as it is to see all of the “mouse ears”, I’m depressed when I don’t see Donald as often if at all.
I am a huge SW fan and Disney. All the times I have been to WDW, I am finally able to go during SW weekends this year. Can’t wait to see the event AND the merchandise.
@steven miller- By chance do you know when they will announce the schedule of events and visiting Star Wars stars for the 2012 weekends? We are trying to plan a trip to WDW for a weekend in May and I would LOVE to better work WITH that info in hand.
Hey Steve, I have a lot of Star Wars toys – where are our JOHN CARTER toys ? I want them even more and have all my life – Jeff the Mars Fan.
Dear Disney/Lucasfilm, is there any way to put Oswald The Lucky Rabbit in the Star Wars universe, just in time for Star Wars Weekends, like for example, Obi Wan Kenobi? (:/
Can’t Wait, I will be there all 4 weekends!! Love the Logo!
This is so cool! My boyfriend will love Donald Duck as Darth Maul. They are his favorite characters!!!! I love Star Wars and Disney! Cant wait to go back for my 2nd year of Disney’s Star Wars Weekends!!! I cant wait to see more merchandise of Disney’s Star Wars!
Wow, our Son would LOVE going to this. Sure would be nice if they did this in the Summer when the kids are out of school. Guess we can’t go. 🙁
Love the poster not sure about the mug, I like it just not sure it is somthing I would want to buy
Great job! I can’t wait to buy some of the goodies seen here!
OMG! PLEASE let this stuff be avaliable via phone! Donald is my FAVE and I love Donald Sar Wars items! And a Donald blanket?!?! I’m so excited!!!!!
Is the poster going to be available to order online or by phone? Unfortunately I will not be able to make it to Star Wars Weekends this year but am absolutely in love with the poster!
@Keith – I’m finishing an article about the series 5 action figures. I photographed them at Tatooine Traders the other day and have talked with Cody Hampton from the Toy Team. I hope to have the article online soon as the figures are due to arrive in March.
@Jeff, Laura and Josh- Sadly these items won’t be available via our Disney Parks online store – http://www.DisneyParks.com/Store
They were created specifically for Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so much of the logo merchandise will only be found there. Some of the other toys and Star Wars related items may be found at Disneyland Resort as well once released.
You also may be able to order select items after Star Wars Weekends by contacting Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to: merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com
We are looking at a few additional options for guests who are unable to attend but nothing has been confirmed at this point.
Will these items be available at Disneyland? Or is it just exclusive for Star Wars weekend at the Hollywood Studios?
I LOVE the mug! Is this SW merchandise available for purchase online?
Duck Maul is awesome! I must get a mug!
OMG!!! Epicness!!! I’m so excited for it to come out in 3D!!! I’m literally typing as fast as I can, I’m so excited! Now, if I could just convince my family to go to Star Wars Weekend…
Really great poster art!! Hopefully another round of Disney Star Tours figurines (Series 5 I think we are up to?).
I’m going to have to take more money then I planned. I LOVE all of it! The mugs are awesome!
I saw the sculpture of this at the Star Tours ride store and thought it was so cool and hoped that they had something a little less expensive, but they didn’t at the time, so of course, NOW that I’m back…;-)
Hopefully there will be some awesome Passholder goodies as well! This logo is AWESOME! Best in a few years, which is saying something!
@Christopher – There will be a few Passholder exclusive items. I’ve seen an AMAZING tee-shirt with Darth Maul, a coin set, an individual coin and a pin.
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