Muppets on TikTok, Disney Ducks in the Parks, and the $40 Billion Star Wars Merch Machine (Ep. 95)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Tv & Film

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 16 April 2026

⏱️ 53 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack a surprisingly chaotic Muppets merch rollout on TikTok Shop, explore the viral duck trend making its way into Disney parks, and break down the latest Star Wars Day merchandise strategy. Then, Jim dives deep into the history of the Star Wars licensing deal that changed Hollywood forever—and why it’s still considered one of the smartest (and most lopsided) deals ever made. From plush drops to billion-dollar gambles, this episode connects the dots between fandom, merchandising, and Disney’s evolving playbook. NEWS • Disney tests a Muppets merch comeback with a TikTok-first exclusive plush launch • Fans report confusion and delays during the Muppets TikTok Shop rollout • The viral “ducking” trend arrives at Disney parks with new collectible lines • Disney Cruise Line draws boundaries on where guests can place or hide ducks • Star Wars Day merch drops roll out weekly, building momentum toward May the 4th FEATURE • The origin of Star Wars merchandising and George Lucas’ unprecedented deal • How 20th Century Fox underestimated toy licensing after past failures • Why Star Wars has generated over $40 billion in merchandise sales • The surprising connection between Disney musicals and Star Wars’ business model HOSTS • Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia • Lauren Hersey – X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com – your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Lock in savings now for your next trip and take the stress out of planning. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome back to Why Want That Too, the podcast where Disney merch meets Disney History.
0:05.6	I'm entertainment writer Jim Hill, and as always, I'm joined by the lovely Lauren Hersey.
0:10.3	And how are we today, Lauren?
0:13.1	We're actually recording this on April 15th, Tax Day.
0:16.2	How is that at the Hersey household?
0:17.9	Stressful or what goes on?
0:20.6	Always stressful when you have a small business.
0:24.2	But, I mean, like, what are you going to do?
0:27.6	The only thing's inevitable or death and taxes, right?
0:30.2	So we roll with it.
0:33.1	As long as we have money to go to Disney and get the merch, then we are a okay.
0:37.9	Well, there we go.
0:39.0	Okay.
0:39.7	That's an interesting mindset.
0:41.7	Today, on the other hand, you know, well, we didn't get a tax cut.
0:46.7	We got a Nancy cut.
0:47.8	Nancy actually went in for carpal tunnel surgery today.
0:51.7	How's Miss Nancy doing?
0:53.3	Well, she has one orange hand. You know, that's the thing.
0:58.0	After you have carpal tunnel surgery, you're not allowed to wash your hand for two weeks while it heals up.
1:05.3	Yes. In fact, if you take a shower, that sort of thing, you have to put a rubber glove on.
1:12.6	So she's part sun-kissed orange right now, you know, just.
	...

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