Disney has had a stellar year at the box office, crossing the $2 billion mark with three of the top five films.
After a less-than-successful 2023, Disney has made a massive comeback in 2024, becoming the only studio to surpass $2 billion in domestic box office grosses.
This success is driven by major releases like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2.
- Inside Out 2 has grossed $652.9 million, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time in the U.S.
- Deadpool & Wolverine earned $636.7 million, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film ever.
- Moana 2 brought in $342 million.
With the upcoming release of Mufasa, a Lion King prequel, Disney’s total is expected to rise even higher, with an opening weekend projected at $50 million.
Disneyโs Strong Performance
This marks the second time Disney has crossed $2 billion since 2019, following a similar achievement in 2022. It’s also the seventh time since 2010 that Disney has reached this milestone.
The studioโs total includes earnings from 20th Century Studios and Searchlight, which also contributed hits like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ($171 million) and Alien: Romulus ($105 million).
A Shift in Strategy
The success of 2024 reflects the leadership of Bob Iger, who has focused on quality over quantity since taking over from Bob Chapek. Iger’s approach contrasts with the previous administrationโs strategy, which aimed to produce more content to meet the growing demand for streaming during the pandemic.
Disneyโs 2024 performance highlights the effectiveness of Igerโs vision, emphasizing creative quality and a return to blockbuster filmmaking.
