Every Memorial Day Weekend, Disney fans around the world look forward to a major release from one of the powerhouse studios under The Walt Disney Company umbrella. Whether it comes from Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, or the Star Wars franchise, the anticipation is always high. Last year, the live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” starring Halle Bailey made quite a splash, notching a remarkable $118.8 million opening and securing its place as the fifth-best box office earner for Memorial Day weekend.
Disney has dominated the holiday weekend for years, owning seven out of the top ten highest-grossing Memorial Day Weekend films. Classics like “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” have secured their legendary status with monumental earnings. Who could forget the swashbuckling adventures of Jack Sparrow or the iconic return of Indiana Jones?
However, this year tells a different story. Following a challenging 2022, which saw a decline in ticket sales, Disney’s CEO Bob Iger made the bold decision to switch up the release calendar. Instead of the usual big-budget blockbuster, Disney chose to limit Marvel Studios’ output to just “Deadpool and Wolverine.” With no new Star Wars saga or live-action adaptations ready for release, Disney has essentially handed over the spotlight to competitors for this holiday weekend.
In place of a Disney film, audiences will see “Furiosa: A Mad Max Story” hit theaters, though it’s expected to bring in just $40 million — a significant drop compared to previous years. For families, the only major option this weekend is “Garfield,” projected to open with $35 million.
Looking ahead, Disney appears to have shifted their strategy to favor Father’s Day weekend for major releases. This year, Pixar is set to release “Inside Out 2,” anticipated to be the first film of 2024 to gross over $100 million in its opening weekend. Pixar continues this trend next year with “Elio” slated for Father’s Day weekend 2025.
What do you think about Disney’s new approach? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share this story with fellow Disney enthusiasts!
Credit: [Inside the Magic](https://insidethemagic.net/) and [Disney/Pixar](https://www.disney.com). Share and interact below!
