Disney will be slowing down the releases of its streaming content in an effort to reduce costs under CEO Bob Iger's stint leading the company. This will affect several shows and films on the platform, including Marvel Studios.
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(Photo : Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 24: Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Studios Alan Horn took part today in the Walt Disney Studios presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2019 in Anaheim, Calif.
Scaling Back
Disney plans to scale back its streaming content as the company undergoes cost-cutting. Engadget reported that the entertainment giant will be slowing down releases, affecting Marvel Studios.
Marvel Head Kevin Feige stated that the company is planning to release fewer shows as the company wants the quality on the screen, apart from costs. He added, "The pace at which we're putting out the Disney+ shows will change so they can each get a chance to shine."
Disney has been releasing Marvel content over the last couple of years. During Phase 4, Marvel Studios released a total of 18 projects across theatrical and streaming. In 2022, Disney and Marvel released three movies and three television series, following the four films and five television shows released in 2021.
Initially, both companies announced five series for 2023 that will be launched in Disney Plus. But as of the moment, the second season of Loki and the new Secret Invasion starring Samuel L. Jackson are the only two assured content to arrive this year.
Feige said that the company wants Marvel Studios and the MCU projects to stand out and stand above in the market. Through this, people will see the company as they go further into Phases 5 and 6 when the pacing change happens.
Upcoming Content
Because of the struggles experienced by the different divisions in the company, the cost-cutting will also affect the big-screen animation plans. In 2022, Disney saw Pixar's Lightyear and Disney Animation's Strange World underperform in the theaters.
The company is reportedly considering longer theatrical windows for its future animated features in an effort to encourage families to return to theaters, including Elemental on June 16th and Disney Animation's Wish on November 22nd. Meanwhile, three new sequels were recently announced by the company. The lineup includes Toy Story 5, Frozen 3, and Zootpia 2.
Despite these challenges, Disney is eyeing Star Wars' return to the big screen. The franchise has been absent from theaters since 2019. As per the Hollywood Reporter, the company ramped up its effort to return these to theaters and will be unveiling new film plans in April during the Star Wars Celebration.
Aside from slowing down its release, Disney recently announced the 7,000 job cuts in the company. Based on a report from CNBC, the cuts would affect three divisions: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and a Park, Experiences, and Products unit. This was announced during the most recent quarterly earnings of the company.
