By The Walt Disney Company reported its first-quarter earnings last night with CEO Bob Iger announcing the surprise “Moana 2” reveal along with plans for Disney’s 2025 & 2026 calendar.
Amidst all that came an interesting quote about Disney’s Marvel output which has led to some questions about where the studio intends to go with Marvel Studios.
Last July, Iger made comments saying the combination of increased film output and several Marvel series had “diluted focus and attention” away from the films and potentially impacted the brand.
During Q&A questions from Disney stockholders and press following last night’s news, the CEO stuck with his original assessment saying the company will slow its Marvel output and rely more on its higher profile franchises:
“I’d say we’re leaning a little bit more into sequels and franchises. I think given the environment and given what it takes to get people out of their homes to see a film.
Leaning on franchises that are familiar is actually a smart thing. In our zeal to greatly increase volume, partially tied to this [desire] to chase more global subs for our streaming platform, some of our studios lost a little focus.
So, the first step that we’ve taken is that we’ve reduced volume, we reduced output, particularly in Marvel.”
Whilst “Deadpool 3” is the sole Marvel Studios film out this year, 2025 and 2026 each have four films scheduled for release which is hardly dialling back.
Similarly, whilst Disney+ only has two Marvel live-action series this year (“Echo,” “Agatha: Darkhold Diaries”), it has four animated shows coming in 2024, along with three live-action series next year.
Interestingly though, Iger teased “Fantastic Four” and “Captain America: Brave New World” for 2025 but made no mention of “Thunderbolts” or “Blade,” which has already led to speculation of potential delays.
Source: The Playlist
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