Star Wars: Episode VII Has $1.2 Billion Prediction For Box Office

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Despite The Lone Ranger bombing at the box office this past 4th of July weekend, Disney stocks are up as investors are eyeing the highly lucrative Star Wars and Marvel franchises.

The Lone Ranger, which stars Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, is being looked at as an almost $200 million loss as the movie has only grossed a measly $48 million in its first five days of opening.

However, that news isn’t turning investors off as Variety reports that Star Wars Episode VII is predicted at having a $1.2 billion opening, higher than any of the prequels, and adding to that is the billion dollar movie, Iron Man 3, causing Disney’s stocks to actually increase on the day’s trading.

Credit Suisse’s Michael Senno says Disney is expected to generate around $733 million in profits from Star Wars Episode VII, with the film expected to generate around $1.2 billion in gross sales. On top of that will come even more revenue from consumer products and licenses.

Back in 1999, Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menance netted just over a billion dollars.

Its subsequent sequels, Episode 2 and Episode 3, grossed $649 million and $848 million, respectively (not counting inflation).

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams set for a 2015 release with more to come, even said yearly.

Likewise, Marvel Studios has their own slate of upcoming movies which includes Thor 2, Captain America 2, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Avengers 2 and Ant-Man.