Disney has solidified its position as a major player in the media industry with its successful resurgence at the box office. The company’s latest film, “Moana 2,” has grossed over $600 million worldwide, making it one of Disney’s most valuable content assets.
The success of “Moana 2” is attributed to CEO Bob Iger’s strategic pivot towards focusing on theatrical releases rather than streaming series. Iger took the advice of VIP+ last year to stop turning IP-based shows into streaming series and instead opted for releasing films with theatrical marketing campaigns, which have been shown to generate substantial SVOD viewership.
The first “Moana” film, released in 2016, has consistently been one of the most-streamed titles on Disney+, ranking among the top five most streamed movies in the U.S. each year since 2020. The sequel’s release comes after a strategic pivot by Disney leadership to prioritize theatrical releases, which will benefit both the box office and streaming services.
This move is part of Disney’s effort to master the dual management of its theatrical and streaming businesses. By focusing on theatrical releases, the company aims to maximize value for high-cost productions, with the patented Disney flywheel channeling success from streaming back into theaters.
The success of “Moana 2” demonstrates that Disney+ serves as a gateway to Disney’s content catalog, driving viewership and engagement. The film’s release is expected to boost its viewership on the platform, potentially turning it into a viewership driver for years to come.
Source: https://variety.com/vip/moana-key-to-disney-comeback-year-streaming-2024-1236246307