Is Disney Finally on the Up and Up?
Movieguide® Contributor
After an unsuccessful couple of years, Disney is finally nearing the top of the entertainment chain again.
“The company’s fiscal fourth quarter that ended in September was one of the best ever in the studio’s history,” Deadline reported Nov. 14. “Pixar’s INSIDE OUT 2 and Marvel’s DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE became the top films of the year so far, setting box office records. Disney became the first studio to cross $4 billion globally in 2024.”
Disney’s Content Sales/Licensing saw a jump of 39% at $2.6 billion last quarter. That department previously had a $149 million loss but now displays a profit of $316 million. The company’s total segment operating income jumped by 23%.
“In executive commentary around the numbers this morning, Iger and CFO Hugh Johnson cited renewed creative strength, ‘a result of the extensive work we began two years ago to restore creativity to the center of the company,” Deadline continued. “Iger rejoined the company as chief executive almost exactly two years ago, replacing his ousted, hand-picked successor Bob Chapek. His contract is over at the end of 2026 and board chair James Gorman is heading the search for a successor.”
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Iger and Johnston answered questions from analysts yesterday evening.
“We are encouraged by this momentum in our studio business going into the holiday season,” they said. “With the combination of our intellectual property, creative talent and an increased number of consumer touchpoints extending the reach of our stories, a successful Disney movie today drives more value than ever before.”
Disney has MOANA 2 coming out this month, and MUFASA: THE LION KING the following month. CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, LILO & STITCH, THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, ZOOTOPIA 2 and AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH will all come out next year.
“It’s unclear how much this success will stretch into 2025, especially given some of the films coming out have both controversy and massive budgets attached,” Screen Rant said. “The live-action SNOW WHITE has been the subject of debate for casting choices and lead actor Rachel Zegler’s criticism of the original, while also sporting a reported $200 million budget. CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD has had extensive reshoots, reportedly pushing the budget upwards of $350 million. Couple these with more expensive Marvel and Star Wars projects coming soon, and Disney will need to keep up its creative momentum to replicate 2024’s successes universally.”
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