In light of recent changes in the box office scene, Disney is adjusting its strategies to regain audience favor. Although some prominent franchises, such as Marvel, have faced difficulties, the studio is venturing into new territories to attract a younger demographic. Simultaneously, they are encouraging innovative projects to bolster their long-term appeal.
Disney plans to focus on original IP to win fans back
According to reports from Variety, Disney is urging creative minds in Hollywood to develop fresh movie ideas specifically tailored towards teenage boys and young adult males aged between 13-28.
The studio’s strategy now targets Gen Z male audiences due to decreasing ticket sales from Marvel and Lucasfilm films, which used to rule this demographic. Executives are seeking ideas for action-packed global journeys and treasure hunts, along with seasonal movies such as those for the Halloween season, according to reports.
Industry research portrays Gen Z males as a “group frequently found immersed in video games and prone to feelings of loneliness, primarily due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns,” according to Variety. In an effort to diversify its holdings, Disney has been promoting self-generated intellectual properties following extended reliance on established franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones. The 2023 reboot of Indiana Jones netted $383 million globally on a budget of $300 million (before marketing costs), missing its target earnings.
In 2024, David Greenbaum took on the role of heading Disney’s live-action division. His mission includes revitalizing this sector, and to help with that, he recruited Daria Cercek – a former co-chief from Paramount known for her work on Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and A Quiet Place. Greenbaum has a background in prestigious independent films, while Cercek brings experience with franchises into the mix. An anonymous Disney source revealed that appealing to young males within Generation Z is an essential aspect of the company’s broader strategy.
As a movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that millennials continue to be Disney’s most loyal cinematic compatriots. We’ve been drawn in mass numbers to the live-action reboots of timeless classics like Lilo & Stitch this year, with the film raking in an impressive $1 billion at the box office and reporting a significant appeal among men and boys, as per the studio.
On the other hand, Gen Z has shown a preference for innovative projects such as A Minecraft Movie. This production came remarkably close to reaching the $1 billion mark globally, thanks in part to trending theater experiences that went viral online.
Disney presently accounts for approximately 10% of the market share among Generation Z, which is comparable to both Sony and Paramount, yet slightly behind Warner Bros. In an effort to broaden its audience, Disney recently invested a substantial sum of $1.5 billion in Fortnite. However, it’s important to note that Disney does not possess the film rights for the game.
On an earnings call, CEO Bob Iger emphasized their focus is on creating excellent films, be they new or based on already established intellectual properties.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- Mobile Legends November 2025 Leaks: Upcoming new heroes, skins, events and more
- PUBG Mobile or BGMI A16 Royale Pass Leaks: Upcoming skins and rewards
- The John Wick spinoff ‘Ballerina’ slays with style, but its dialogue has two left feet
- Kingdom Rush Battles Tower Tier List
- Delta Force Best Settings and Sensitivity Guide
- Vampire’s Fall 2 redeem codes and how to use them (June 2025)
- Clash Royale Season 77 “When Hogs Fly” November 2025 Update and Balance Changes
- Stocks stay snoozy as Moody’s drops U.S. credit—guess we’re all just waiting for the crash
- ‘Australia’s Most Sexually Active Woman’ Annie Knight reveals her shock plans for the future – after being hospitalised for sleeping with 583 men in a single day
2025-08-28 10:46