Wish by Disney Surpasses $100M Globally Despite Slow Start

Disney news

Disney’s recent animated movie, “Wish,” overcomes a challenging start at the box office, reaching a significant milestone by surpassing $100 million globally. Despite a slow opening, the film, released on November 22, 2023, demonstrates resilience and potential for success.

Tough Thanksgiving Opening and Box Office Comparison:

  • Wish faced initial difficulties during its Thanksgiving weekend release, earning $19.7 million. Drawing comparisons to the previous Disney box office disappointment, “Strange World,” which opened with $11.9 million, the film encountered skepticism about its box office prospects.
Wish image 1
Wish image 1

Current Worldwide Box Office Numbers and International Contribution:

  • According to The Numbers, Wish achieves a global box office of $105.5 million, with $56.1 million contributed by the international market. The film’s performance is notable considering its production budget of $200 million, marking a crucial step toward breaking even.
Wish image 2
Wish image 2

Disney’s Recent Box Office Challenges:

  • “Wish” joins a list of recent Disney releases facing hurdles at the box office, including “Strange World,” “Lightyear,” and “Elemental.” Despite slow starts, Disney’s streaming success on Disney+ adds another dimension to measuring a film’s overall impact and success.
Wish image 3
Wish image 3

Streaming Success and Disney’s Evolving Priorities:

  • While theatrical box office numbers indicate challenges for Disney, the streaming success of recent movies on Disney+ presents an alternative perspective. Films that struggled in theaters, like “Elemental,” found success on the streaming platform, suggesting a shift in priorities for the media giant.
Wish image 4a
Wish image 4a

Future Prospects for “Wish” and Streaming Potential:

  • The recent uptick in “Wish’s” worldwide box office may signal potential for higher numbers as the animated musical continues its theatrical run. With a streaming release scheduled for July 8th, the film has additional opportunities to achieve success on Disney+. The possibility of extended theatrical runs, as seen with “Elemental,” remains open.
Wish image 5
Wish image 5

Disney’s Strategic Approach to Theatrical Runs:

  • Disney’s decision to keep films like “Elemental” in theaters for an extended period highlights a strategic approach to allow time for box office performance to improve. Whether “Wish” follows a similar trajectory remains uncertain, but Disney’s recent history suggests a commitment to maximizing a film’s potential, even beyond its initial theatrical release.

Bright Future for “Wish” on Disney+:

  • Despite uncertainties about “Wish’s” theatrical success, the film’s future on Disney+ appears promising. Recent trends indicate that films facing challenges in theaters can find renewed success and popularity through streaming platforms, providing a positive outlook for the animated tale once it reaches Disney+ next year.

In summary, “Wish’s” journey reflects Disney’s adaptability to evolving industry dynamics, leveraging streaming platforms to redefine success metrics for its films. The film’s current global box office achievement positions it as a contender for both theatrical and streaming success in the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.