Much has been made of Disney’s decision to focus on female characters in the marketing of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and the results of survey released Tuesday suggest they’re connecting with ticket buyers.
Daisy Ridley‘s Rey is the new character driving the most anticipation among those responding to a survey by online ticket broker Fandango, and 84 percent say they were excited to see the new female leads in “The Force Awakens.”
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which opens Friday following Thursday night’s preview shows, has shattered records for advance ticket sales at Fandango.
Teen “fan boys” have traditionally been the driving force behind the box office success of the series, and Disney has tried to broaden the base in terms of gender and ethnicity with castings and its promotions of “The Force Awakens.”
The results are based on an unscientific poll of roughly 1,000 respondents to survey questions posted on Fandango.com.
As TheWrap previously reported, 52 percent of the people talking about the film on Facebook are women. The largest demo buzzing about the new film is 18-34 year-olds.
90 percent are looking forward to J.J. Abrams‘ vision of the “Star Wars” universe.
86 percent say the film’s carefully-guarded story secrets have increased their interest;
82 percent are even more excited to see “Force Awakens” because “Empire” and “Jedi” scribe Lawrence Kasdan co-wrote the screenplay;
81 percent are excited to see the big-screen return of the classic “Star Wars” characters (Han Solo, Leia, Chewbacca, et al).
11 Most Ridiculous 'Star Wars'-Branded Products
Your loved ones will want to slice you open from neck to abdomen and crawl inside you for warmth with this "Star Wars" hooded jumpsuit.
Forever 21
Star your day the arbitrary way with this tenuous-at-best "Star Wars"-Cinnamon Toast Crunch partnership!
General Mills
Credit Ample Hills for at least attempting synergy with its limited edition "Light Side, Dark Side" Star Wars ice cream. Then debit them for charging $36 for it.
Ample Hills Creamery
When the phantom menace is a magnesium deficiency, Star Wars gummy multi-vitamins will "light" the way!
Nature Smart
Vaguely mimicking the texture of Darth Vader's life support jumpsuit is this leather jacket for wearers with a disturbing lack of faith in personal style.
Matchless
Fans looking to trim the Fett from their diets will have to look elsewhere, with Kraft's Star Wars-edition Cheese & Macaroni. (We'll never join you "macaroni & cheese" droids!!!)
Kraft
You'll be the belle of Mos Eisley Cantina in these flashy-if-not-stylish LED light-saber platforms.
Irregular Choice
It's like there's a party on Hoth and only your mouth is invited with "The Force Awakens" ice cream cakes!
Baskin Robbins
If you find a hair in your Campbell's soup, don't be alarmed; that's real Wookiee.
Campbell Soup Company
The corporate synergy between Star Wars and non-dairy frankencreamer is so obvious we won't insult your intelligence by discussing it a moment further.
Nestle
Bobby Abley and Rodarte's fashion lines the last few years place an emphasis on the wearer's comfort and style while they're getting stuffed in a high school locker.
SelfRidges
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With ”The Force Awakens“ opening Dec. 18, it looks like Disney’s licensing department rubber-stamped these merchandise requests