I feel like a pinball machine should be like an original piece of fiction with choose your own adventure flavors, vs modeled after an existing story.
There is so much cognitive bias with mass media themes it’s almost impossible to create something appealing, unique and special.
I guess that’s why I love the Dialed In effort so much, and cringe when I hear plans for “Munsters” and “The Beatles” (and I LOVE the Beatles).
If you are going to license, pick one that is almost religious- STTNG being a great example and well executed. The shows’ followers were religious and fanatical. LOTR being another good example.
The Harry Potter movies were born from works of (books).
Pinball needs more unique art and story telling and fewer licensed themes compromised by cognitive bias.