What's Your Most Eagerly Awaited Disney Project Besides Deadpool 3?

This is an excellent question! While I'm incredibly excited about Deadpool 3, there are three other Disney endeavors that have caught my attention, albeit they are still in early development stages. First is the film about the creation of Disneyland by David Gordon Green, currently on hold but has the potential to explore a significant era in Disney's history. With the right script and cast, this could be an extraordinary film and possibly lead to a sequel about the creation of Walt Disney World.

Next, I'm looking forward to the biopic on Jim Henson, penned by Michael Mitnick. This story deserves to shine on the big screen after being in development for some time.

Lastly, while not a film, the Avengers Multiverse attraction has me intrigued. If executed properly, it could become one of the most remarkable attractions ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.

Will Disney Experience Another Blockbuster Year Like 2019?

It's unlikely that Disney will replicate the massive success of 2019 anytime soon, perhaps not until the latter half of the 2020s. That year was a powerhouse, featuring the Disney-Fox merger, an impressive film lineup, the launch of Disney+, and the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. It was a year of unmatched synergy.

While I initially believed 2023 might mirror 2019's box office results, I was mistaken. If Disney can find its footing again, there may be another landmark year in the future, but it won't be immediate—perhaps 2029?

Is the Live-Action Remake Trend on Its Way Out?

Not entirely, but its status as a guaranteed money-maker is waning. Disney still has several live-action remakes in the pipeline, including Mufasa: The Lion King, Snow White, Moana, and many others. There's even speculation about a remake of Atlantis: The Lost Empire, which, despite its box office shortcomings, has garnered a loyal fan base over time.

While there are many remakes in development, I doubt they will generate profits as they once did. In recent years, Disney has also explored films based on its parks, but those too have shown diminishing returns. Ultimately, Walt Disney Studios must remember the essence of what makes a Disney film special.

Some of these remakes will premiere in theaters while others will head to Disney+. It’s concerning that some recent films are already being considered for remakes so soon. Classics like Moana and Frozen should ideally be left untouched for a while to allow for nostalgia to build, just like what happened with The Lion King and Aladdin.

Has Disney Animation Reached Its End?

Not at all. We're merely witnessing a transition in eras. The story of Walt Disney Animation Studios unfolds in distinct phases, and not every era will reach the heights of the Renaissance or Revival periods.

This current phase has faced numerous challenges, including the pandemic and the streaming wars. However, I anticipate a more stable environment for Disney Animation in the latter part of the decade, as the studio is likely aware that bold new directions are necessary.

Disney Animation has seen its share of disappointments. The unexpected underperformance of Wish was particularly striking, especially given the optimistic box office projections and the extensive merchandise preparations.

Currently, CCO Jennifer Lee has over ten projects in development, including Frozen 3 and 4 (potentially one large project), Zootopia 2, and Disney+ series for Moana and Tiana. While some sequels are safer bets, I believe they are also keen to explore new narratives that resonate with audiences.

Will There Be a New Disney Animation Film?

There is indeed one scheduled for release in November 2024. However, it could shift to 2025 if it doesn't meet quality expectations. The decision will depend on the studio's confidence in the film's readiness. The clock is ticking from a marketing perspective, and fans are eager for news.

Is There Hope for a Sneak Peek at the 2024 Film Soon?

We missed our January deadline, so February is our last chance for a glimpse. Given the silence surrounding the project, concerns are mounting. The worst-case scenario would be for Disney Animation to rush a release just to have something out, especially since they haven't yet announced the title or cast.

A Brief Note on Disneyland Paris

I have a special place in my heart for Disneyland Paris, and I believe that if Disney adheres to its $60 billion investment plan over ten years, a significant portion will be allocated to this park. With Universal's potential expansion in the region, now is the perfect time for Disney to enhance its offerings.

Why Were Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 & Elemental the Only Wins?

Before diving into that, if we count Elemental as a success, we should also consider The Little Mermaid in that category. The reality is that it's a combination of consumer misunderstandings regarding Disney+ and the films themselves possibly lacking quality. Many of these films suffered from poor marketing, contrasting sharply with successful campaigns like Barbie's.

Disney films are no longer a guarantee for substantial box office returns. The era of consistently hitting $700 million to $1 billion globally seems to be behind us, necessitating budget adjustments.

The success of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Elemental can be attributed to their quality—these are the films that audiences passionately recommend to others. Unfortunately, 2023 didn't offer many films of that caliber from Disney.

Thoughts on ESPN and RedZone

I’m optimistic that ESPN won’t ruin RedZone. On a lighter note, it would be amusing if Scott Hanson started promoting Disney synergy during the brief breaks in the show. If Bob Iger can negotiate a stake in ESPN for the NFL, it would showcase his prowess as a dealmaker.

How Can Disney & Marvel Ensure a Successful Deadpool 3 Teaser?

While breaking records isn’t necessary, a solid marketing campaign is essential. Ryan Reynolds is a marketing genius, and he’ll take charge of promoting this film. If the teaser drops during the Super Bowl, expect massive viewership.

The trailer is likely to feature Wolverine, with hints at Charles Xavier. If Taylor Swift indeed plays Dazzler, they’ll probably keep that a secret until the film’s release to maintain excitement.

How Should Disney Improve Marketing for 2024 Films?

The focus should be on crafting compelling stories, which is always the intention. However, sometimes plans go awry. Recent years have seen Disney overly reliant on social media, while traditional marketing methods have taken a backseat.

Experiential marketing was key to Barbie's success—Disney could learn from that. Additionally, trailer editing is subjective, but a captivating trailer can sell a movie, even if the final product doesn’t live up to expectations.

Disney needs to connect better with general audiences, as seen in the confused marketing for The Marvels. They need clear messaging that resonates beyond the existing fanbase.

Thank you for joining us for this mailbag! Keep an eye out for our coverage of Disney's Q1 2024 call on February 7, exclusively here at Boardwalk Times.

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Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of Boardwalk Times.

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