The talk of a more “realistic” looking lightsaber has got me thinking about merchandise already. Clearly with the Build-A-Lightsaber kiosk in the parks, Disney knows the lighstabers are probably the closest thing they’ve got to Harry Potter’s wands. Even so, the BALs are very much kids toys. I’d love to see some kind of a higher-end option offered that isn’t just a toy. Quality, unique hilt designs (customizable or not), maybe with an attachable and sturdy blade. I’m imagining the Star Wars equivalent of a small antiques store with chests and cupboards of these old “Force relics” that you can choose from.
Disney should still keep the Build-A-Lightsaber stuff for the kids (and the kids-at-heart), but I’d happily pay a premium for my own, unique lightsaber hilt that’s made of something other than cheap plastic.