Disney upping its efforts to win back Gen Z boys

FILE - People purchase tickets at a movie theater in New York on March 5, 2021. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

FILE – People purchase tickets at a movie theater in New York on March 5, 2021. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

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(NewsNation) — “Star Wars” and “Marvel” are no longer cutting it for Gen Z boys who have an affinity for Disney films.

Variety Magazine says the heads of Walt Disney Studios have been pressing Hollywood creatives in recent months for movies that will bring young men back to the brand in a meaningful way.

For a while now, the entertainment giant has been on the hunt for new IPs and pitches, with a big focus on global adventures, treasure hunts, and seasonal fare. It’s been nearly ten years since Disney had a smash hit that had a guy-leaning fare to it, like the “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Part of the reason Disney bought a $1.5 billion equity stake in gaming juggernaut “Fortnite” was to incorporate Disney’s iconic stable of characters. But it was a dud. So was the recent “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” another superhero flick that fell short of expectations.

Even the reboot of the “Indiana Jones” franchise in 2023, which had a ton of fanfare, didn’t resonate with the age 13-28 crowd. Add to the fact that boys are spending a lot more time playing video games instead of watching movies.

Disney is currently in line for 10% of Gen Z ticket buyers, with Sony Pictures and Paramount in its market share. However, it puts them two points above Universal and two points below Warner Bros.

Four movies from four Disney labels have grossed more than $1 billion in the past year-plus.

Entertainment

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