Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox: A cinematic evolution
When Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, it marked one of the most significant media takeovers in history. The House of Mouse absorbed a vast film slate, but the initial journey was anything but smooth. Movies like “Dark Phoenix,” “New Mutants,” “Ad Astra,” “Stuber,” “The Call of the Wild,” and “Spies in Disguise” struggled at the box office, casting doubt on the $71.3 billion merger’s value.
The rocky start
The early days post-acquisition were challenging. Films that were part of the deal but not produced by Disney felt like orphans, struggling to find their place in the new ecosystem. This period of adjustment was marked by commercial failures and a lack of confidence in the newly acquired assets.
A turning point
However, the tide has turned. In 2024, three of Disney’s four biggest releases are from the rebranded 20th Century Studios: Deadpool & Wolverine, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Alien: Romulus. These films have not only performed well but have also reinvigorated the legacy of 20th Century Fox.
- Deadpool & Wolverine: This film became the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history, raking in $1.14 billion and counting.
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: While not the most successful entry in the franchise, it still managed to gross $397 million worldwide, making it the eighth-biggest film of the year.
- Alien: Romulus: This sci-fi horror film had a strong debut, earning $41.5 million domestically and $108 million globally.
Not every film has been a hit. For instance, The First Omen generated only $53 million globally. However, with a modest $30 million production budget, the losses were not catastrophic.
A new era for Disney
The successful integration of 20th Century Fox assets has been a boon for Disney. The commercial wins follow the massive success of Avatar: The Way of Water, which grossed $2.3 billion globally, becoming the third-biggest movie of all time. Additionally, Searchlight’s Oscar-winning Poor Things turned into a rare post-pandemic indie smash with $117 million worldwide.
The long-term view
Purchases of this magnitude take time to pay off. The value of the film assets Disney acquired from Fox will be realized over decades, not just years. In the short term, 20th Century’s contributions are especially crucial after Disney’s challenging 2023 at the box office, with misfires like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and the animated Wish.
Rebounding brands
Brands under the Disney umbrella, such as Pixar and Marvel, are also rebounding. Inside Out 2 became the biggest movie of the year with $1.58 billion, helping Disney surpass $3 billion in worldwide ticket sales in 2024. Upcoming releases like Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King are expected to continue this trend.
The future of 20th Century Studios
In 2024, Disney has three Searchlight releases: A Real Pain, Nightbitch, and A Complete Unknown. However, the future slate for 20th Century Studios is less clear. The only confirmed films are The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avatar: Fire and Water. Beyond these titles, Disney’s plans for the 20th Century brand remain uncertain.
The challenge of original content
Most recent successes have been part of recognizable, decades-spanning properties. Original films that are not part of an existing franchise have struggled. Films like Amsterdam and A Haunting in Venice were painful flops. The question remains whether Disney will invest in producing non-branded IPs that can achieve unconventional box office triumphs or if it will continue to focus on established franchises.
Final thoughts
Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox has been a journey of highs and lows. The initial struggles have given way to significant successes, proving the value of the merger. As Disney continues to integrate these assets, the future looks promising, with a mix of established franchises and potential new hits on the horizon. The challenge will be balancing the legacy of 20th Century Fox with the innovative spirit that has always defined Disney.