Part 7/8:
This decline isn’t just a matter of a few flops; it signifies a fundamental problem with Disney’s ability to produce compelling animated content amid fierce competition. Despite Elemental setting a record for Disney, it only speaks to how desperate the situation has become—record lows are now the norm.
The Future Looks Bleak
Given the current trajectory, Disney’s animated division faces an uncertain future. The disappointing performance of Elemental, despite its record for recent Disney films, points toward an industry-wide shift where animated films—especially those with high budgets—struggle to find an audience. This is evidenced by the stark difference between Disney’s results and the blockbuster success of films outside its studio ecosystem.