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Can Disney Still Have a Major Box Office Victory in 2023?

The Walt Disney Company has faced a challenging year regarding box office profits, with estimates suggesting losses exceeding $900 million. Some critics eagerly anticipate whether it can turn the tide, while others think it is reaping the consequences of a progressive social agenda. The disappointments have been notable, such as Pixar’s underperforming film Elemental and Lucasfilm’s lukewarm showing of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. These setbacks have raised doubts about Disney’s future. Amidst these circumstances, the question remains: Can Disney overcome these hurdles and score a win? The entertainment giant still has three big-budget films releasing in 2023, but can any of them pull off a victory? Let’s discuss their chances.

Asha, Valentino, Disney Wish movie
Credit: Disney

Disney’s Wish Is a Strong Contender

Wish, scheduled for release on November 22, arguably has the best shot to give Disney a win. Early footage previews have captivated viewers. They are extremely impressed with the visuals as well as the music. The film has the extreme advantage of being a musical princess fairy tale, and its cast is talented. It is also a celebration of the company’s 100-year history. If anything has a chance to score a home run, it’s definitely this film.

This story immerses viewers in the enchanting realm of Rosas, a fantasy kingdom situated in the Iberian Peninsula. The film revolves around Asha, a young woman who embarks on a courageous quest to confront the enigmatic King Magnifico and his insatiable desire to amass the wishes of his subjects. Showcasing the talents of Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose from West Side Story and the charismatic Chris Pine, Wish pushes boundaries by introducing a groundbreaking animation style that has yet to be seen in any Disney animated feature. Utilizing innovative technology, the movie boasts a visually stunning two-dimensional painted aesthetic, distinguishing it from traditional Disney classics while retaining its timeless appeal. The only thing truly holding it back is its gigantic $200 million budget. The movie must see quite a buzz to work in Disney’s favor.

jamie lee curtis haunted mansion disneyland
Credit: Disney

Haunted Mansion Hype

Haunted Mansion, a movie based on the beloved Walt Disney World attraction, already has an advantage with its familiarity among Disney fans. It is heading to theaters on July 28. The last time the company attempted to bring audiences into this world was in 2003. That film starred Eddie Murphy and grossed $75.9 million domestically, which is not that impressive when put up against this next attempt’s $158 million budget.

However, the film has seen some hype because of its great cast. It also has almost no competition for its release weekend. On the downside, the Barbie movie will still be very recent in its release, which could hinder attendance for Haunted Mansion. Pit this with the fact that most Disney releases this year haven’t done as well as usual, and it’s hard to see this movie generate anything more than a subtle profit.

The Marvels Movie
Credit: Marvel

The Marvels Wrestles with Super Hero Fatigue

Disney’s next major Marvel film, The Marvels, has endured numerous delays. It serves as a bridged sequel for several previous Marvel offerings that have garnered polarizing reactions from audiences. While the exact budget remains undisclosed, Disney has already invested a significant $130 million during the initial two months of filming. Set to release on November 10, the film grapples with the challenge of combating superhero fatigue that many viewers are currently experiencing.

The Marvels faces an uphill battle in its quest to become a breakout success due to the mixed reception of its predecessor film. It also has the challenge that one of its characters, Ms. Marvel, has only ever appeared on Disney+. Her series was a success, but it remains to be seen if it can draw a crowd to theaters. Audiences have exhibited a wide spectrum of emotions, ranging from passionate adoration to vehement criticism, towards these previous Marvel releases. Most Marvel sequels have done much worse than their predecessors as of late, and the original Captain Marvel wasn’t a breakaway in terms of profit. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 managed to hold its own, but it still remains to be seen if this can do the same.

Waiting and Wishing

In the wake of recent box office failures, The Walt Disney Company finds itself at a crossroads. While the losses have been significant, there is still hope for a turnaround. By carefully reassessing its strategies, Disney has the potential to secure a much-needed victory and regain its position as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. The path to success may be challenging, but they still have some hope to turn it around.

Michael Stoyanoff

Michael is a Disney fan with an entertainment background and passion for writing. Living in Orlando, he has been around the theme parks for over a decade. In his free time he enjoys running, playing video games, and traveling the world. He also loves hanging out with his dog, Mr. Pippers the Pug.

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