The Town with Matthew Belloni
Does Disney Have Its Movie Mojo Back?
Dec 2, 2024
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter focused on media and entertainment, joins to discuss Disney's recent box office successes, including the record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend for 'Moana 2.' They analyze Disney's resurgence in theaters, debate the profitability of blockbusters versus smaller films, and consider the impact of social media on audience engagement. Shaw sheds light on Disney's strategic shifts, including transforming popular TV shows into movies. The conversation also delves into upcoming projects and the challenges Disney faces in capturing audience interest.
33:27
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Quick takeaways
- Disney's strategic shift in releasing 'Moana 2' theatrically showcases its successful adaptation to market demands, boosting both franchise potential and viewership.
- Despite record-breaking box office weekends, the overall 2024 figures indicate persistent challenges, emphasizing the industry's reliance on blockbuster hits for profitability.
Deep dives
Record Holiday Weekend Box Office
The podcast highlights the record-breaking box office numbers from the holiday weekend, showcasing a total of $420 million garnered across U.S. and Canadian theaters. This figure marks a significant increase, with major releases like 'Moana 2' leading the charge by earning $225 million over the five-day period, nearly doubling the previous Thanksgiving record set by 'Frozen 2'. The enthusiastic audience response emphasizes the return of the theatrical market, particularly for event movies designed for cinema. However, despite this record-setting weekend, overall box office figures for 2024 remain down by 11% compared to the previous year, indicating that the industry still faces challenges ahead.
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