In 1977, the world was amazed and delighted by the now iconic film Star Wars. The following year, a short parody film by the name of Hardware Wars found its way into the hearts of millions. With characters by the name of Fluke Starbucker, Augie “Ben” Doggie, Princess Anne-Droid, Ham Salad, and Chewchilla the Wookiee Monster, the short film’s cast was an obvious tongue-in-cheek referencing to the original Star Wars roles. Household equipment made up the vast majority of props in the parody, hence the name. Hilarious and goofy, the video lampoon was and is a cult classic to this day. As a matter of fact, I just watched it again and laughed all the way through.

Produced and directed by Ernie Fosselius, the 13-minute farce won over a dozen awards and is still considered the most profitable short of all time. With a production cost of $8,000 and a gross of over a million, it is easy to see why. Even George Lucas, writer and director of the original Star Wars films, has made it known that Hardware Wars is his favorite Star Wars parody.

With Disney having acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, they gained the rights to make and distribute all new Star Wars films and merchandise. Abiding by their long-standing concept that “Disney Does It Better,” the studio has reportedly now purchased the rights to Hardware Wars.

Obviously trying to fill a niche, rumors are that Disney will soon start production on a big-budget version of the classic lampoon of their new holding. Reportedly with a working budget of a record-breaking $400 million, which would make it surpass current record-holder Caribbean: On Stranger Tides ($378.5 million), this “reimagining” will be a far cry from the earlier conception.

We know that Star Wars is considered to be the most successful film merchandising franchise of all time, so can you imagine the possibilities for Hardware Wars merch! I don’t know about you, but I would pay big bucks for a Hardware Wars-themed toaster or waffle maker. Those will be extremely rare. I mean, think about how much those collectibles will be worth eventually. It’s a collector’s dream come true.

No official word yet on casting or a release date, but rumors abound that Quentin Tarantino will be involved at some level of production.

[Source: AFD]