Disney Says 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and 'Moana' Were Hits, Actually
Key Points:
- Disney's recent releases, The Mandalorian and Grogu ($345 million) and the live-action Moana ($262 million), have underperformed compared to previous franchise installments that grossed over $1 billion.
- Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro emphasized that box office revenue is not the sole measure of success, highlighting that these films drive growth in retail sales, theme park attendance, and streaming engagement.
- The Mandalorian boosted merchandise sales and attracted visitors to Star Wars attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, while Moana is expected to perform well on Disney+.
- Disney CFO Hugh Johnston described the film industry as a portfolio game, with the company’s diversified business model offsetting variability in theatrical performance through long-term IP utilization across multiple platforms.
- Although underperforming films still support Disney’s broader business, stronger box office results would significantly enhance the company’s overall revenue and brand strength.