Disney’s Wish won’t replicate an Elemental’s box office success

In 2023, Disney faced a challenging year, marked by the success of animated hits from other studios like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” contrasting with Disney’s current struggles. Commemorating its 100th anniversary, Disney released “Wish,” an animated musical emphasizing dreams, wishes, and featuring a talking goat. However, the film’s narrative complexity may contribute to its box office struggle, falling short of expectations during its Thanksgiving debut and dropping 61% in its second weekend, grossing only $7.7 million domestically and $81.8 million worldwide against a $200 million budget.

Despite Disney’s past recovery with films like “Elemental,” “Wish” faced challenges. The movie not only grappled with a substantial budget but also the pressure to encapsulate 100 years of Disney animation, potentially leading to a formulaic approach to storytelling. Critics, expressing a consensus reflected in the film’s 48% Rotten Tomatoes score, noted that “Wish” dwelled too much on Disney’s past without introducing new elements, making it a commercial for the company itself. The film received an A- CinemaScore from audience exit polls, relatively low for a family-friendly animated feature.

The film’s storytelling challenges extended to its marketing, struggling to find a compelling hook for audiences. The crowded release schedule, competing against a new “Hunger Games” prequel and a “Trolls” sequel, further hampered “Wish’s” performance. The overarching issue faced by “Wish” echoes Disney’s long-standing struggle with risk aversion. As seen in other industries, risk aversion can stifle innovation and hinder companies from adapting to changing landscapes. Disney’s historical success in acquiring established franchises and remaking classics contrasts with its limited risk-taking.

Comparisons are drawn to Nokia’s decline when it failed to innovate, emphasizing the importance of risk in an industry marked by rapid changes. In contrast, Warner Bros.’ successful risk with “Barbie” highlights the potential rewards of bold moves. For Disney, a company known for acquisitions and remakes, venturing into new territories becomes crucial as animated offerings face challenges, and established franchises yield diminishing returns. The call for Disney to embrace risk is underscored as a vital strategy for sustained relevance and success in the evolving entertainment landscape.

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