Disney’s production schedule over the past few years has been astronomical, so if you’re burned out by it all you’re not alone. That’s all going to dramatically change in 2023. With CEO Bob Iger back in control, the company’s seemingly unlimited spending is going to be reined in and more responsible, as Disney decides to slow down. It’s going to take a more measured approach, not only on spending but scheduling across films and streaming service Disney+.
Iger has said that Disney needs to be “better at curating” the “extraordinarily expensive” franchises, the Hollywood Reporter notes. “We want the quality on the screen, but we have to look at what they cost us,” Iger adds.
Trimming the heroic fat
That will likely mean far more austerity at Disney’s biggest subsidiary Marvel, responsible for a considerable amount of that output. For instance, in 2022 the Marvel Cinematic Universe released three movies and three television series, while 2021 saw four films and five shows drop. 2023 was supposed to get five new series on Disney+ but reports now indicate that only season two of Loki and Samuel L. Jackson’s Secret Invasion are likely to arrive. No further details have been released regarding What If …? season two, Hawkeye spin-off Echo, Ironheart and Agatha: Coven of Chaos.
“I do think one of the powerful aspects of being at Marvel Studios is having these films and shows hit the zeitgeist,” Marvel boss Kevin Feige told Entertainment Weekly. “But we want Marvel Studios and the MCU projects to really stand out and stand above. So, people will see that as we get further into Phase 5 and 6. The pace at which we’re putting out the Disney+ shows will change so they can each get a chance to shine.”
In a galaxy far away…
However, while some areas of the business are seeing greater curation, Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise aren’t slowing down. The subsidiary will still have to abide by these new fiscal measures. But plans are underway for more theatrical releases, sources indicate. Details for which are coming in April during the Star Wars Celebration in London.
Don’t worry though, there won’t be a drought as Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania arrives on 17th February. That’s followed by season three of The Mandalorian via Disney+ on 1st March 2023.
All of this is in stark contrast to DC Studios. New co-CEO James Gunn recently revealed the new DC Universe featuring ten projects as well as DC Elsewhere. The latter will feature projects including The Batman Part II.
As Disney decides to slow down, are you happy about this new approach? Let us know in the comments below.
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