Disney gave fans a massive look at the future of its movies and streaming franchises at D23, with projects coming from Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. There is plenty to be excited about, but the sheer number of familiar franchises also raises an important question: Is Disney building its next generation of great stories, or leaning too heavily on the ones we already know?
On this week’s episode of The DVC Show, Paul, Amy, Derek, Jeff, and Craig break down Disney’s upcoming slate and talk about the projects that have them excited, the announcements that give them pause, and what all of this could eventually mean for the Disney Parks.
Disney Is Betting Big on Familiar Franchises
Disney’s upcoming lineup includes some very recognizable names. Frozen 3, Incredibles 3, Zootopia 3, and Coco 2 are all part of the company’s future plans, continuing stories from some of Disney and Pixar’s most successful modern franchises.
There is nothing inherently wrong with sequels, especially when there is another worthwhile story to tell. But the discussion quickly turns to a larger challenge for Disney and Pixar: where does the next completely original blockbuster franchise come from?
For Disney fans, that matters beyond the box office. Today’s successful films often become tomorrow’s attractions, lands, entertainment, merchandise, and resort experiences. The movies Disney creates now could help shape the Disney Parks for decades.
Marvel, Star Wars, and the Projects We’re Watching Closely
Marvel may be one of the most interesting parts of Disney’s upcoming slate. After several years of mixed reactions across the MCU, Avengers: Doomsday has generated renewed excitement among the group and feels like the type of major theatrical event Marvel has been missing.
Star Wars presents a different set of questions. Disney continues developing films and streaming projects in the galaxy far, far away, but the panel discusses whether the franchise has a clear direction and what it will take for a new Star Wars theatrical release to once again feel like a major cultural event.
There is also the enormous catalog Disney acquired through 20th Century Fox. Properties such as The Simpsons offer decades of characters and stories that Disney could potentially explore more aggressively across film, television, and even the parks.
Watch This Week’s DVC Show
There is a lot coming from Disney over the next several years. Some projects feel like safe bets, others could surprise us, and a few leave us with more questions than answers.
Watch the full conversation below as Paul, Amy, Derek, Jeff, and Craig discuss the Disney movies they’re most excited about, the projects they’re worried about, and where Disney’s entertainment strategy could be headed next!
