When Walt Disney (DIS +0.44%) tapped J.J. Abrams to direct the next film in its recently acquired "Star Wars" franchise, it wasn't just disappointing Trekkies everywhere. Rather, the House of Mouse was continuing a strategy that's brought in billions so far.
Specifically, Disney is hiring experienced television writers to build epic film franchises. Joss Whedon, whose TV credits include the brilliant but short-lived "Firefly" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has set the bar high with Marvel's "The Avengers," which grossed $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office.
Now Abrams joins the stable, bringing with him long-running TV hits "Alias" and "Lost." Does that mean we should expect "Avengers"-sized returns on the next Star Wars film? Can that even be done? I answer this question and more in the video below. Please watch, and then be sure to leave a comment to let us know what you think.
