Disney’s Struggles at the Box Office
Disney has faced challenges in returning to its 2019 box-office success, leading to activist investor Nelson Peltz’s push for a board seat. The company’s recent struggles include six quarters of operating losses in its content sales business, with revenues falling below $9 billion in 2022 and 2023. Despite some successful films, such as ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3,’ Disney has not seen a movie generate over $1 billion since 2019, impacting its theatrical business.
Disney Shareholders Face Crucial Decision Amid Calls for Change
Disney is at a critical juncture as shareholders prepare to vote on the company’s future direction. CEO Bob Iger is facing scrutiny as investors weigh in on underwhelming box office performance, streaming service investments, and uncertainties in the traditional TV business. Billionaire investor Nelson Peltz has been vocal about the company’s struggles, raising questions about Iger’s leadership and succession strategy. The upcoming annual meeting will be pivotal as shareholders decide on a proposed boardroom shake-up, with Peltz’s campaign for change intensifying the battle for control.
Disney Plus Integrates Hulu into Primary Streaming Service
Disney Plus has integrated Hulu into its primary streaming service, marking a major shift in the company’s streaming strategy. The merger brings changes to the user interface, underlying technology, and approach to streaming. Despite the integration, Hulu maintains its own app and identity, with unchanged pricing and availability. The strategic shift aims to unify Disney’s various streaming services and platforms into a cohesive, singular product, reflecting Disney’s long-term commitment to running a unified streaming service across its entire portfolio.
Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise Confirmed for Reboot
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has officially confirmed the reboot of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise with the upcoming sixth movie. The prospect of a fresh take on the beloved series has generated significant buzz across the entertainment industry, sparking excitement and speculation among fans.
Marvel’s Brad Winderbaum discusses shift in content creation for Disney+
Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s head of streaming, television, and animation, discusses the shift in content creation for Disney+, emphasizing the focus on quality over expedited production. The studio’s approach has evolved to allow for enhanced production quality, with plans to develop the character Nova for the screen. Winderbaum also addresses the unexpected departure of ‘X-Men ’97’ showrunner Beau DeMayo, highlighting the impact of his contributions to the series.
D23 Announces Extraordinary Line Up of 2024 Disney Legends Award Honorees
D23 announces the extraordinary line up of honorees for the 2024 Disney Legends Award, including Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, and Harrison Ford. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest and will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California as part of the three-day D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August 2024.
Cincinnati Health Department Warns of Potential Measles Exposure at Disney On Ice Performance
The Cincinnati Health Department warns of potential measles exposure at the Heritage Bank Center during a Disney On Ice performance on March 8. Attendees are advised to monitor their health for symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. Vaccinated individuals have a low risk, and testing arrangements will be provided by the health department.
Charter Subscribers Gain Access to ESPN+ in Disney Carriage Deal
Charter’s Spectrum TV Select Plus subscribers can now access ESPN+ as part of their subscription, following the unlocking of another aspect of the Charter/Disney carriage deal. This move aims to cater to the evolving viewing habits of sports fans by offering a high-value video package that includes both linear and direct-to-consumer sports content. The inclusion of ESPN+ bridges the gap between linear TV and streaming services, providing wider audience access to ESPN’s content, including NCAA Women’s Basketball, FA Cup Soccer, NHL games, and more.
Inside Out 2: Pixar Announces Sequel to Hit Animated Film
Inside Out 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Pixar animated film, is set to explore the complex world of emotions as Riley enters her teenage years. The original film was celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of mental health and the challenges of adolescence, and the sequel promises to delve even deeper into these themes, resonating with both younger and older audiences.
Disneyland Resort: Spring Surprises & Disappointments
Read about the latest happenings at Disneyland Resort, including the California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, Women’s History Month, and the upcoming sale of Magic Keys. Get the inside scoop on the springtime flavors, construction updates, and more surprises at the park.