Disney Imagineer's Dream: Retractable Lightsaber Toy in the Works

The Future of Disney's Lightsaber Technology

Three years ago, Disney unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in the world of Star Wars collectibles — a fully retractable lightsaber that uses an ingeniously patented mechanism to extend and retract its glowing blade. This development had fans buzzing with excitement, and now there are talks of this remarkable device becoming commercially available.

Promising Conversations at Disney

At the recent D23 fan expo, Lanny Smoot, the lead inventor behind this revolutionary lightsaber, shared some intriguing insights regarding its potential release. During a fan interaction recorded by YouTuber Finding The Force, he mentioned, "I think the company would like to do that." This response hints at a strong desire from Disney management to bring this product to market.

Disney's Strategy for Accessibility

In his statement, Smoot referenced Josh D’Amaro, Disney's head of Parks, who expressed intentions during a public meeting with toy vendors to adapt the technology for broader accessibility. While Smoot sounded optimistic, he also conveyed cautious optimism by adding, "I’m not aware of anything in the works but hope to see it come to fruition in the future." This raises questions about whether comprehensive plans are truly in motion.

Lanny Smoot's Innovative Journey

Smoot is an esteemed member of the Disney Imagineering team and has made significant contributions to various technologies, including fiber-optic systems and video conferencing solutions at Bell Labs. Recently, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes his inventive legacy, being the first Disney inventor to achieve this status following Walt Disney.

Technological Marvels of Disney

The retractable lightsaber is just one of Smoot’s impressive creations. His portfolio includes a unique magnetic drive system used for BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the intriguing Holo Tile floor technology, which could set the stage for future innovations reminiscent of Star Trek's Holodeck.

Challenges in Lightsaber Production

While anticipation grows, it's important to remember that the original retractable lightsaber was merely a prop. However, another retractable lightsaber toy, known as the Goliath Power Saber, had been in development but was mysteriously abandoned by Hasbro. This case raises eyebrows and leads us to wonder about the dynamics between Disney and toy manufacturers.

The Mystery Behind Hasbro's Decisions

If Disney is indeed sharing Smoot's designs with toy companies, it might shed light on Hasbro's puzzling choice to halt the production of the Goliath Power Saber. What does this mean for the future of Star Wars toys? Only time will tell, but the hope for a fully functional lightsaber becomes more tangible with each passing announcement.

Conclusion

The journey to a commercially available lightsaber is still unfolding. As fans remain eager for more updates, the combination of Disney's transformative technology and Smoot's innovative vision creates a thrilling prospect for the world of Star Wars merchandise. Will we finally wield our own lightsabers? Stay tuned!