Disney to Invest $5 Billion in Europe, UK for New Blockbusters: FT Reports

Disney has announced plans to invest at least $5 billion in the United Kingdom and continental Europe over the next five years. Jan Koeppen, president of Disney across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, shared this news with the Financial Times on Friday.

The investment will allocate about $1 billion annually over five years to film productions, Disney+, National Geographic, and various TV shows in the region, according to Koeppen. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the recent success of Disney’s films and television business.

Recent hits like “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” have significantly boosted Disney’s film revenue. “Inside Out 2” amassed $1.6 billion in global ticket sales, while “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which premiered this quarter, earned over $850 million.

“We feel like we’re really on a roll again with movies, which is fantastic,” Koeppen stated in his conversation with FT.

Disney did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the matter.

Koeppen’s remarks come in the wake of Disney’s forecast of a ‘moderation in demand’ at its theme parks, which caused a 1.1% drop in the company’s shares on Wednesday.

According to Disney’s website, Koeppen oversees the company’s commercial and operational activities in over 130 markets across the EMEA region. His duties include managing Disney+, motion pictures, television, content licensing, and local original productions.