Disney reassesses: Less Marvel and Star Wars, more surefire hits
In 2023, Disney+ began turning a profit for the first time, and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" raked in $845 million at the box office. However, Disney encountered several costly failures during the same period. The leadership recognized that abundant content does not necessarily equate to quality and announced a strategic pivot.
Bob Iger, the Studio President, revealed that Marvel Studios would scale back, producing only 2-3 superhero movies and a maximum of two themed series for Disney+ annually. This shift aims to mirror the successful approach of the 2013-2015 era when Marvel released two movies each year with great financial success.
In 2023, the only standout hit was the third installment of "Guardians of the Galaxy," in stark contrast to the disappointing performances of "Marvel" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania." "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" also failed to make a significant financial impact. With only "Deadpool & Wolverine" set for release in 2024, it's a clear departure from the previously planned four comic book movies for 2025.
The company's new direction also implies changes for Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, shifting their focus to producing sequels like "Inside Out 2" or "Toy Story 5" rather than venturing into new, potentially riskier territories.
"Star Wars" not as profitable as it seemed
Disney's "Star Wars" brand has also faced challenges. The last feature film was released in 2019, and the much-anticipated "Star Wars: Rogue Squadron" announced for 2020 is still nowhere in sight. The uncertainty surrounding the future of a new trilogy featuring Rey (Daisy Ridley) further adds to the chaos within Lucasfilm.
Despite a flurry of live-action and animated series from the "Star Wars" universe, the franchise has struggled to become the financial juggernaut it once was for Disney. According to Forbes, the "Star Wars" returns have yet to offset the $4 billion cost of acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012.
