Disney is facing tough times as a new Rasmussen poll highlights growing dissatisfaction with the company’s modern content. Struggling with declining box office returns and waning interest in its streaming services, Disney’s newer releases appear to be losing favor with audiences.
Americans Prefer Disney’s Classics Over New Content
The poll revealed that nearly half of Americans (47%) believe Disney’s current offerings are worse than they remember. Only 16% think the content has improved, while 29% feel it has stayed the same.
This dissatisfaction has also impacted Disney’s overall reputation. While 49% of respondents have a positive view of the company, 43% view it negatively, leaving Disney with a slim favorability margin of just +6 points.
In a surprising comparison, Disney trails President-elect Donald Trump in favorability ratings. According to the RealClearPolitics average, Trump enjoys an approval rating 11 percentage points higher than Disney’s.
Disney’s Box Office Struggles
The survey comes during a tough financial period for Disney, as several recent releases have performed poorly at the box office:
- “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”: This blockbuster missed projections and cost Disney over $130 million.
- “Lightyear”: Despite high expectations, the film earned just $85.6 million globally during its opening weekend, far below its $135 million projection.
- “Strange World”: This animated feature failed to resonate with audiences, resulting in a $100 million loss.
- “The Acolyte”: A “Star Wars” spinoff series featuring a transgender actor and a coven of witches was canceled after one season, costing Disney $250 million.
Over a stretch of 10 films released between 2022 and 2023, Disney reportedly lost over $1 billion.
Leadership Changes and Challenges
In late 2022, Disney’s board made a major change by replacing CEO Bob Chapek with longtime executive Bob Iger. While Iger has achieved some successes, such as the first year of profitability for Disney+, challenges remain. The parks division continues to face setbacks, leading to layoffs and instability.
Disney is now searching for its next leader. James Gorman, Executive Chairman at Morgan Stanley, has been tasked with overseeing the effort. Gorman is known for his experience in succession planning, having led similar initiatives at Morgan Stanley.
What Lies Ahead for Disney?
Disney’s recent struggles go beyond financial losses. The company is grappling with a cultural divide as audiences express dissatisfaction with its creative direction. Although Iger has made strides in improving some areas, Disney must address these concerns to reconnect with its audience.
To regain its former glory, Disney needs to strike a balance between innovation and its classic appeal. Restoring trust with its core audience will be key to rebuilding its reputation and stabilizing its business.
