Part 7/10:
While Disney’s flagship properties like Marvel and Star Wars continue to generate revenue, their identity and appeal are waning among the target demographics—particularly the young viewers that previously formed their core audience. Disney’s push to find a new “Harry Potter” or comparable franchise has not borne fruit, with critics pointing out that the company tends to be too insular and obsessed with internal acquisitions, such as Bob Iger’s focus on buying new IPs instead of nurturing existing ones.
In contrast, competitors like Warner Bros., Universal, and Netflix are aggressively expanding their licensing and merchandising efforts, often licensing third-party properties and fostering partnerships that keep their brands vibrant and relevant.