Hollywood’s Holiday Woes: Disney and Apple Fails
Movies from Disney and Apple Struggle at the Box Office
It was a disappointing Thanksgiving holiday for both Disney and Apple as their movies failed to make a big impact at the box office. This adds to the ongoing struggles faced by Hollywood in recent weeks.
Despite the success of movies like Barbie and Oppenheimer over the summer, the overall performance of films in theaters has been lackluster compared to pre-pandemic levels. The media industry has also been hit by other factors, including the SAG-AFTRA strike and a shift towards content that has been criticized as “woke” or pandering.
Disney’s highly anticipated film “Wish,” with a whopping budget of $200 million, only managed to bring in $8.3 million on Wednesday, according to Variety. It is projected to reach around $37 million over the five-day period.
Similarly, Apple Original Productions’ “Napoleon,” which also had a massive budget of $200 million, earned $7.7 million on Wednesday. The film starring Joaquin Phoenix is expected to generate approximately $30 million during the five-day period.
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have given “Napoleon” a low favorability rating of 62%, while the general audience rating stands at 61%. As for “Wish,” the animated film has faced criticism for its concept.
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One of the film’s critics, Daily Wire co-founder and Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro, expressed his concerns about the central idea of “Wish.” He interpreted it as a metaphor for God being “bad” until an “empowered female character” saves the day.
“The plot seems to suggest that God is bad. It revolves around a king who grants people’s wishes, but his apprentice discovers that the king is selectively granting wishes, picking and choosing,” Shapiro explained. He sarcastically added, “According to the film, it would be better if an empowered female character granted everyone’s wishes across the board.”
The Daily Wire recently announced its own live-action adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairytale “Snow White,” starring Brett Cooper from “The Comments Section” on YouTube. This announcement comes as Disney faces challenges with its own “Snow White” adaptation, with actress Rachel Zegler publicly criticizing the classic story, leading to plummeting favorability ratings for the once-iconic company.
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The Daily Wire’s film, featuring Brett Cooper, is set to be released in 2024, while Disney has had to delay the release of their adaptation for another year.
Announcing Bentkey’s first live-action feature film: Snow White and the Evil Queen starring @imbrettcooper pic.twitter.com/HpYoskemAG
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) October 16, 2023
What potential impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on the film industry and major studios like Disney and Apple?
Aracter took over as the new deity and distributed wishes more fairly.”
The underperformance of these films raises questions about the current state of the film industry and the strategies employed by major studios. It seems that even well-established brands like Disney and Apple are not immune to the challenges posed by the pandemic and changing audience preferences.
One possible explanation for the lackluster box office numbers is the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the easing of restrictions in many parts of the world, some moviegoers may still be hesitant to return to theaters due to concerns about their health and safety. This, coupled with the availability of streaming services, has likely affected the number of people choosing to watch films in cinemas.
Another factor to consider is the changing landscape of content consumption. Audiences are increasingly turning to streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ for their entertainment needs. These platforms offer a wide range of movies and TV shows that can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s own home. The convenience and variety of content available on streaming services may have resulted in a decline in the demand for traditional theatrical releases.
Additionally, the controversy surrounding certain movies labeled as “woke” or pandering to specific groups may have also played a role in their lackluster performance. Some audiences may be wary of movies that are perceived as being politically charged or pushing certain ideological agendas. This could result in decreased interest and ultimately, lower box office numbers.
While the struggles faced by Disney and Apple at the box office are concerning for the industry, it is important to note that these setbacks are not definitive indicators of the demise of the film industry. The unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic and shifting audience preferences require studios to adapt their strategies and continue exploring new avenues for distribution and monetization.
As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, it is possible that movie theaters will regain their popularity and audiences will once again flock to see the latest films on the big screen. However, the path forward for the film industry may involve a greater emphasis on hybrid release models, where movies are simultaneously released in theaters and on streaming platforms, catering to the preferences of both theater enthusiasts and those who prefer to watch from home.
Despite the disappointing performance of “Wish” and ”Napoleon,” it is important to remember that the film industry is resilient and has faced and overcome challenges in the past. With the right strategies and continued innovation, the industry can bounce back and thrive once again.
In the meantime, moviegoers can continue to enjoy a wide range of content from diverse platforms and genres. Whether it be in a theater or on a streaming service, the magic of storytelling and the power of cinema will continue to captivate audiences around the world.
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