The Disney animated film “Strange World” has faced disappointing box office results and is projected to incur a substantial loss of approximately $147 million. Notably, this movie features the first openly LGBTQ+ teenage character in Disney history, who openly discusses their same-sex crush within the storyline.
Film critic and author Christian Toto has weighed in on the film’s underperformance, referencing the popular adage “go woke, go broke.” Toto suggests that this mantra holds some truth, particularly in a time when parents are becoming more discerning about the content their children are exposed to. Modern parents are increasingly interconnected through social media and personal networks, enabling them to share feedback and recommendations regarding films and media. This has allowed them to exercise greater control over their family’s viewing choices.
“Strange World” revolves around the Clade family, a group of explorers, with the young character Ethan engaging in a conversation with his grandfather about his same-sex crush. While there could be various factors contributing to the film’s lackluster performance, discussions of sexuality in a children’s movie may have presented an additional challenge, affecting its box office appeal.
Deadline, an entertainment news website, reported that Disney might have been reluctant to bypass a theatrical release and opt for direct streaming, even if it considered the film’s quality to be subpar. This hesitation could be attributed to the current political climate, particularly in the wake of the controversy surrounding former Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation. A direct-to-streaming release might have provoked negative publicity and backlash for the studio.
Christian Toto, the editor of Hollywood in Toto, offered a theory regarding this potential streaming-only release, suggesting that progressive forces both within and outside of Disney could have vehemently opposed such a decision, despite being a minority. Their voices, although limited in number, could carry significant weight in the public discourse.
Fox Business reached out to Disney for comment, but as of now, there has been no response from the company.
This situation draws parallels with the performance of the Disney Pixar film “Lightyear” earlier in the year. “Lightyear” faced a similar underperformance at the box office, and it garnered attention for featuring a same-sex kiss. Initially, Pixar removed the scene but later reinstated it after Disney publicly voiced opposition to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s efforts to restrict discussions about sexuality and gender identity in elementary schools.
Chris Evans, who provided the voice for a character in “Lightyear,” criticized those who objected to the movie’s lesbian kiss, characterizing them as “idiots.” He emphasized that progress and acceptance were vital and that those resistant to change would eventually become marginalized.
Toto believes that poorly performing movies may compel companies like Disney to reconsider their approach. While Hollywood may not fully embrace the “go woke, go broke” sentiment, some executives are beginning to recognize its implications. Instances of “woke regrets” have been observed at other entertainment companies like Netflix and Warner Bros. It is possible that Disney will also come to realize that aligning with certain social or political positions may not always translate into financial success.
Regarding alternatives for parents concerned about the content of recent films, Toto suggests that there is a wealth of older, “woke-free” content available for consideration. Streaming platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV offer a vast array of older content with limited commercial interruptions. Additionally, the proliferation of streaming channels featuring traditional content provides parents with viable options outside the realm of contemporary cinema.
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