Disney's recent earnings call reveals CEO Josh D'Amaro's perspective on the box office flops of 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and 'Moana'. While these films didn't meet box office expectations, D'Amaro highlights the positive impact on other areas of Disney's business. He argues that the investments in these franchises fuel growth in retail sales, theme park attractions, and streaming services. However, the article delves into the complexities of these flops, questioning whether the post-theatrical upside can truly offset the steep theatrical losses. It explores the challenges Disney faces with big-budget blockbusters within pillar franchises, like 'Star Wars', and the need for a more reliable future for the franchise. The piece concludes by emphasizing the harsh lessons Disney must learn from these misfires and the importance of finding a more sustainable approach to their franchise investments.
