Disney's Box Office Resurgence: New Releases and Future Prospects

Walt Disney opens its D23 fan convention with performances and big announcements about upcoming films. With 'Inside Out 2,' 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' and 'Moana 2,' the company regains box office prominence. Future releases include sequels and reboots, promising substantial theatrical and streaming success.

Walt Disney, which reclaimed the top of the summer box office with Pixar animation's 'Inside Out 2' and Marvel's raunchy 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' opened its D23 fan convention Friday with a live performance from the anticipated animated film 'Moana 2.' Dwayne Johnson, a featured star joined by Auli'i Cravahlo and Hawaiian dancers, told the 12,000 attendees he would reprise his role as Maui, singing 'in keys that don't exist.'

The film reaches theaters on Nov. 27. Director James Cameron took the stage, along with 'Avatar' stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington, to show off art from the next sequel, and announce its title, 'Avatar: Fire and Ash.'

Pixar's chief creative officer, Pete Docter, announced a new 'Inside Out' series based on Riley's dreams, 'Dream Productions,' set between the first two movies and premiering in 2025. Docter also revealed a third film in Pixar's 'The Incredibles' series directed by Brad Bird.

During an investor call this week, Disney touted the strength of its movies, marking a return to form after losing its highest-grossing Hollywood studio title in 2023. 'It's never too late to have that big Hollywood comeback,' said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. 'And they've certainly had that.'

'Inside Out 2' is the highest-grossing animated film of all time, with global box office earnings of $1.6 billion. 'Deadpool & Wolverine' smashed records with over $850 million in ticket sales. 'There is variability in the film business,' noted Deutsche Bank analyst Bryan Kraft. 'But if Disney has found its box office magic once again, additional growth may be ahead.'

Disney CEO Bob Iger extolled the studio's lineup for the next two years, including 'Moana 2,' 'Disney's Snow White,' 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' and James Cameron's third 'Avatar' movie. 'When you consider their potential at the box office and for driving global streaming value, there's plenty to be optimistic about,' Iger said.

The release of 'Inside Out 2' generated over 100 million views of the original film on Disney+. Investors and fans look forward to more Marvel plans, especially with the need to replace actor Jonathan Majors following his legal issues and the impact of last year's strikes by Hollywood writers and actors.

At last month's Comic-Con, Disney revealed 'Iron Man' actor Robert Downey Jr. would play the 'Fantastic Four' villain Doctor Doom.

(With inputs from agencies.)