“In The Extended Universe, Vicky Osterweil pairs blistering cultural criticism with sharp material analysis to reveal the very real dangers of Disney (and its main weapon, IP). From sexless superhero Hollywood hegemony to COVID deaths to the military-industrial complex, Osterweil maps out the Magic Kingdom's proper place as a stronghold of the dark empire of modern capitalism. An essential read for understanding the current moment.”
—Jordan Harper, screenwriter and author of Everybody Knows and She Rides Shotgun

“Vicky Osterweil has again provided us with a crystal clear, brilliant, deeply researched, readable book that exposes how systems of domination actually work. The Extended Universe persuasively argues that the enforcement of intellectual property law is not a specialized topic of interest to artists and musicians, but is central to the distribution of medicine and food, poverty and violence. Anyone who cares about responding to the current crises threatening life on earth should read this account of exactly how our lives have been shaped by Disney's manipulations. Because of the ubiquity of Disney in our lives and imaginations, and the extent to which generations have become emotionally attached to Disney’s productions, this book is a particularly compelling and useful tool for exposing a broad audience to the terrifying global order that props up the fantasy.”
—Dean Spade, author of Love in a F*cked-Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together

“With The Extended Universe, Vicky Osterweil tells the story of Disney with the stories of Disney. Essential reading for Disney lovers and haters alike."
—Malcolm Harris, author of What’s Left: Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis

“With The Extended Universe, Vicky Osterweil offers a masterful exposé of, and intervention against, one of the most insidious and powerful property regimes of the last century—intellectual property. Osterweil is the brilliant, generous, and revolutionary guide we need to rethink cultural production today, and kill the Mouse inside our heads.”
—Natasha Lennard author of Being Numerous: Essays on Non-Fascist Life

“The Extended Universe tears the intellectual property driven world we live in limb from limb, chewing up everything from corporate strategy to collective viewing habits. Osterweil leaves nothing but picked-over bones and a little hope that maybe we can make something new out of the remains.”
—Cameron Kunzelman, host of Ranged Touch