Disney Rides Box Office Hits into D23 Fan Convention

ANAHEIM, California (Reuters) – Walt Disney is set to unveil details of forthcoming films at its D23 fan convention on Friday, marking an exciting milestone as the company regains its prominence in the box office arena. Recent successes, including Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” have catapulted Disney back to the top

The company’s recent achievements were highlighted during an investor call this week. After being displaced as the highest-grossing Hollywood studio in 2023, Disney’s latest blockbusters signal a triumphant return. “Inside Out 2” has become the highest-grossing animated film ever, earning a staggering $1.6 billion worldwide and surpassing the previous record held by Disney’s “Frozen II.” Similarly, “Deadpool & Wolverine” set a new domestic record for the best opening of an R-rated film and has garnered over $850 million globally.

Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, noted, “It’s never too late to have that big Hollywood comeback, and they’ve certainly had that.” This positive sentiment was echoed by Deutsche Bank analyst Bryan Kraft, who suggested that Disney’s renewed box office success could herald further growth, contingent on a strong upcoming theatrical slate.

Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed optimism about the studio’s lineup for the next two years. This includes the animated sequel “Moana 2,” a live-action rendition of “Disney’s Snow White,” the reboot of the Marvel franchise with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” and James Cameron’s third “Avatar” movie. “When you think about not only the potential of those in the box office, but the potential of those to drive global streaming value, there’s a reason to be bullish about where we’re headed,” Iger stated on the call.

The release of “Inside Out 2” also drove substantial viewership for the original film on Disney+, with the company reporting over 100 million views. Investors and fans are keen to hear more about Disney’s future plans for the Marvel superhero studio, particularly in the wake of actor Jonathan Majors’ legal issues, which necessitated a search for a new villain. In addition, some projects were delayed due to last year’s strikes by Hollywood writers and actors.

Fans were thrilled when Disney, at last month’s Comic-Con, announced that “Iron Man” actor Robert Downey Jr. will portray Doctor Doom in the “Fantastic Four” series. This casting choice has generated substantial buzz, further fueling anticipation for the studio’s upcoming projects.

Source: Reuters