Disney news covering streaming, parks, box office, ESPN and linear TV, Bob Iger strategy, and Disney's content and franchise business.
This commentary argues that Disney's Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride is essentially a video game, highlighting its game-like mechanics and the potential for future upgrades. The author contends that the ride's modular design, initially touted, has not been fully realized, but a new Unreal Engine 5 upgrade could enhance the experience.
The commentary argues that Disney and Lucasfilm's handling of the Star Wars franchise has led to the box office failure of 'The Mandalorian and Grogu', citing a lack of cohesive planning and misunderstanding of audience expectations. It contends that diminishing returns since 'The Force Awakens' reflect a loss of trust and creative direction.
This commentary argues that the upcoming 'Toy Story 5' is more significant than typical Disney sequels because it serves as a test of whether established intellectual property can still drive theatrical attendance in the streaming era. The article contends that Disney's strategy of incorporating contemporary elements like a Taylor Swift song and a character voiced by Bad Bunny aims to maintain cross-generational relevance and boost box office performance.