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The remarks made by Disney CEO Bob Iger at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit shed light on the challenges faced by the studio during the production of “The Marvels,” attributing the film’s box office underperformance to a lack of supervision on set, stemming from the constraints posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Iger acknowledged that pandemic-related restrictions, coupled with Disney’s heightened production output due to the launch of Disney+, made it increasingly arduous for studio executives to maintain the usual level of oversight over multiple ongoing productions. He indicated that the conditions during the shooting of “The Marvels” led to reduced supervision, which might have impacted the film’s outcome.
“The Marvels,” led by Brie Larson, faced a disappointing run at the box office since its November release, grossing $77 million domestically and $187 million worldwide. This performance stands as the biggest underperformance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, potentially becoming the first MCU title to fall short of the $100 million mark domestically.
Iger’s statements highlighted other underperforming Disney films in 2023, such as “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Additionally, it was noted that 2023 marks a departure from Disney’s trend of billion-dollar releases, a standard they had often met in previous years.
Expressing a need for a reevaluation of expectations, Iger acknowledged that Disney had set exceptionally high standards, almost expecting every film to reach the billion-dollar mark globally. He emphasized the importance of having a compelling story and a meaningful reason, beyond financial gain, to justify the creation of sequels.
While addressing the studio’s output, Iger emphasized the significance of a strong narrative in sequels and acknowledged that the proliferation of sequels in recent years might not always meet the same standards as the original stories.
Moreover, Iman Vellani, one of the stars of “The Marvels,” responded to the film’s box office performance, stating that it’s beyond her control and expressing satisfaction with the finished product. She highlighted the film’s entertainment value, focusing on its superhero themes, space setting, and themes of teamwork and sisterhood.
Despite its lackluster box office performance, “The Marvels” remains in theaters, and Vellani remains optimistic about the film’s merits, emphasizing the enjoyment it brings to audiences.