Film studios aren’t the only ones bracing for impact. International tourists—including thousands of Canadian Disney fans—are now rethinking travel plans to the U.S.
A surprise announcement from former President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the global tourism sector, as he proposes a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the U.S. The move, framed as a national security measure, comes amid broader trade tensions—and it’s already having a ripple effect on Disney’s theme park audience.
Movie Tariffs? Yes, Really.
In a Truth Social post over the weekend, Trump claimed that foreign governments are “offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States,” which he called a security threat. His solution? A sweeping tariff on foreign-made films entering the U.S. market.
The announcement blindsided much of the entertainment industry, and Wall Street responded in kind:
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Disney stock dipped to $89.70 early Monday (down from $92.52)
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Comcast stock (owner of Universal Pictures) dropped to $34.00
While no official policy or timeline has been released yet, the uncertainty alone has already thrown both film production schedules and theme park strategies into question.
Where Were These Movies Made?
Many of Disney and Universal’s biggest upcoming blockbusters are shot—at least partially—outside the U.S. Here’s a snapshot:
- “Avengers: Doomsday” → Filming in England (Pinewood Studios)
- “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” → Filmed in Spain and the U.K.
- “The Mandalorian and Grogu” → Primarily filmed in Los Angeles (for now)
- “Wicked” Parts 1 & 2 → Shot at Sky Studios in the U.K.
- “Jurassic World: Rebirth” → Filmed in Thailand and Britain
- “How to Train Your Dragon” (live-action) → Shot in Belfast, Northern Ireland
If the tariffs are implemented, these films could face significant new costs or release disruptions. What’s more, there’s still no clarity on whether in-progress or pre-release films would be exempt.
Canadians and Other Travelers Are Canceling Disney Trips
Perhaps most surprisingly, international tourism is taking a hit, too.
In Canada, some travel agencies are already reporting a noticeable rise in Walt Disney World cancellations, particularly from guests uncomfortable with escalating political rhetoric and trade policies that seem to strain diplomatic relationships.
💬 “I’ve had three families cancel trips just this week,” said one Ontario-based travel agent. “They feel like they’re not welcome, or that tensions are too high. It’s sad—Disney was their happy place.”
This could spell trouble for parks like Walt Disney World, which depend on international guests—especially from Canada and the U.K.—to help fill hotel rooms and spend on-site during non-peak seasons.
Studios Are Scrambling
Beyond tourism, the film industry itself is still recovering from last year’s dual strikes, which left U.S. production down more than 40%. Studios have leaned heavily on international filming locations to make up for lost time—and lower costs.
One British producer told Variety bluntly:
“This implies a U.S. film must be made in the U.S., which is ridiculous. So many beloved American films were made overseas for good reason. This could derail the entire global model.”
The Bottom Line
No one knows exactly when—or if—Trump’s proposed tariffs will become law. But with markets reacting, studios reassessing budgets, and international travelers reconsidering U.S. vacations, the impact is already being felt far beyond the movie lot.
Disney, Universal, and the entire travel and tourism ecosystem now find themselves caught in the crossfire of a new kind of trade war—one where storytelling and tourism are both on the line.
