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Disney & Fox Are Meeting “Again” To Discuss The Possible Acquisition Of Fox By Disney

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

We recently reported that Fox had met with Disney looking to strike a deal that would have Disney potentially acquire Fox. Nothing official was announced by either side, but it sounded from various sources that both sides could not reach an agreement and any kind of deal was off.

It was kind of disappointing to hear that those talks broke down, but now according to Deadline, those talks have started up again and it sounds like it is possible that we may hear some good news very soon. It still sounds like if both parties come to an agreement, Disney would get the film and TV Studios, and Fox would still retain the sports and news properties.

From Deadline columnist, Mark Fleming Jr.:

FLEMING: I just want to start with a juicy rumor that is fast gaining steam in town today, that Disney is progressing speedily toward that rumored acquisition of Fox. The version I heard has the Murdoch clan keeping possession of sports and news properties, and the rest of TV and the film studio going to Disney. Radio silence right now from both studios, and given how Disney made the Marvel and Lucasfilm deals under the cone of silence, if this happens we’ll probably only know it when it’s announced.

I have provided a link to the article, but to be honest, the Deadline article mostly discusses how the recent sexual harassment charges could possibly affect the movies that both studios own and whether those involved should be stricken from the history of both, and other, companies.

It seems that most analysis feel that Disney’s acquisition of Fox would make sense and benefit both companies. Other major companies, such as Comcast and Verizon, have also shown interest in acquiring Fox. But I think it’s a good sign that Fox seemed to have reached out to Disney and that they are meeting again.

We will keep you up to date if any news breaks regarding Disney’s acquisition of Fox, but until then, we will be waiting for Disney or Fox, or even another company, makes an official announcement.

Source: Deadline

VIDEO: Jack-Jack Shows Off His New Powers In This Teaser Trailer For “Incredibles 2”; Official Poster

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Disney•Pixar has just released the first teaser trailer for “Incredibles 2”.

Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) is left to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life, giving him an opportunity to bond with his younger son, Jack-Jack, whose superpowers are emerging—much to Dad’s surprise.

And check out the first teaser poster for “Incredibles 2”:

Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2” – but this time Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell) and Dash (voice of Huck Milner) to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transistion for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.

Directed by Brad Bird (“Iron Giant,” “The Incredibles”) and produced by John Walker (“The Incredibles”) and Nicole Grindle (“Sanjay’s Super Team” short, “Toy Story 3” associate producer), “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.

Source: Disney•Pixar

TV Series Based On “Star Wars”, “Monsters Inc.” And “High School Musical” Coming to Disney’s Upcoming Streaming Service

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

Bob Igeer has announced that new TV series’ based on the popular franchises, “Star Wars” , “Monsters Inc.” and “High School Musical” will be coming to Disney’s upcoming streaming service.

From Variety:

Disney is planning a live-action “Star Wars” TV series to air on its entertainment streaming service that is expected to launch by the end of 2019.

Disney chairman-CEO Bob Iger announced the “Star Wars” news during the company’s quarterly earnings call. In addition to the “Star Wars” TV series, Disney is working on TV series adaptations of Pixar’s “Monsters Inc.,” the Disney Channel’s “High School Musical” franchise and an original entry from Marvel.

Of the nascent entertainment-focused streaming service, Iger said Disney would produce four to five original movies a year for the service, in addition to the original TV series. Iger said it would not have traditional advertising in the form of commercials. Sponsorship opportunities may be available, however.

Iger also said he expects the Disney-branded streaming service to be priced “substantially below” Netflix’s $10.99 a month because the service will have less content overall. “The price will reflect that,” he said. “Our goal is to attract as many subs as possible starting out.”

Source: Variety

Forget Tsum Tsum, Disney Ufufy Have Arrived From Japan

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

Just arrived from Japan, Disney Ufufy are the latest plush craze, and they are now available at ShopDisney.com!

Several different sizes are available. Medium are 12″ and retail at $16.95. Small are 4.5″ and retail at $6.95. Mini are 2.5″ and come as sets of two for $9.95. They are also all scented, for some reason.

As of now, only a selection of characters are available, including the Fab 6 (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy), Stitch, Chip ‘n Dale, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and Marie.

Get them now at ShopDisney.com (née DisneyStore.com)!

Disney Pulling All Movies From Netflix; Disney Introducing Own Streaming Service in 2019

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

During Disney’s latest earnings report, Disney announced that it will pulling all of their movies from Netflix eventually in order to start its own direct to consumer streaming service.

From CNBC:

The company announced during its latest earnings report on Tuesday it intends to pull all its movies from Netflix.

Instead, Disney plans to launch a branded direct-to-consumer streaming service in 2019.

The company will also launch its own ESPN video streaming service in early 2018. The platform, which will feature about 10,000 sporting events each year, will have content from the MLB, NHL, MLS, collegiate sports and tennis’ Grand Slam events.

To power the services, Disney is buying a majority ownership of BAM Tech for $1.58 billion. Disney bought a 33 percent stake in the company, which was spun off from digital media company MLB Advanced Media, in August 2016.

“This represents a big strategic shift for the company,” CEO Bob Iger told CNBC’s Julia Boorstin. “We felt that having control of a platform we’ve been very impressed with after buying 33 percent of it a year ago would give us control of our destiny.”

Netflix stock dropped more than 5 percent upon announcement of the news.

Source: CNBC

New Image Revealed For “Mary Poppins Returns”

WDWNT on May 28, 2017

In USA Today’s “Ten Most Must-See Films Of 2018”, a new image from “Mary Poppins Returns” debuted as well as Emily Blunt discussing how it feels to take on such an iconic role as Mary Poppins.

From USA Today:

Emily Blunt acknowledges that it’s hard to put in words what it’s like to play author P.L. Travers’ iconic nanny, though “joyful” and “utterly magical” do come up in conversation. Julie Andrews played the role in 1964 and the flying umbrella passes to Blunt for a sequel set in 1930s Depression-era London, where Poppins revisits a now-grown Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer) when their family needs her again. Back in the day, a spoonful of sugar helped the medicine go down, but Blunt’s Poppins hews more to Travers’ literary character. “I just loved how eccentric and wacky she is in the books — incredibly vain and rude to the children,” Blunt says. “As a British person, I really responded to that lack of saccharine relationships. I find it comforting the idea of someone just sweeping in who’s no-nonsense and cleaning everything up and making everything right again in a magical way that’s not sentimental.”

Source: USA Today

Apple May Be Looking to Buy the Walt Disney Company

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

According to Yahoo Finance, many industry insiders are speculating that Apple could be looking to buy the Walt Disney Company…

Apple’s cash pile of more than $200 billion is a favorite topic of investors, bloggers, and traders. It might be the largest cash reserve for any private company in history. So what is Apple going to do with all that dough?

One theory is that Apple will use its stockpile to buy Disney, according to RBC analyst Steven Cahall:

“Bulls think it portends well for a swan song exit via a sale to a giant like AAPL,” Cahall wrote in a note sent out to clients on Friday.

After all, we are living in a world where “content is king.” Currently, there is a battle raging among content providers for your eyeballs. Content providers, want you hooked and ready to consume more of your favorite content and all of the other licensed products that go along with it.

When analysts and investors think of content, Disney is the first name that comes to mind.

Disney’s “Frozen” is the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Additionally, five of the 10 highest grossing films of 2016 were Disney movies: “Captain America: Civil War” was the highest grossing film of 2016 with 1.153 billion in revenue, also included were, “Finding Dory”, “Zootopia”, “The Jungle Book”, and “Star Wars: Rogue One.”

RBC is not the only one speculating an Apple takeout of Disney is a possibility.

In her fourth-quarter investor letter for 2016, Samantha Greenberg, founder of hedge fund Margate Capital, raised the same possibility, describing the company as a “logical acquisition target” for Apple:

Apple has talked about the benefit Apple sees when it owns exclusive content, and owning Disney would reduce Apple’s exposure to product cycles, expanding AAPL’s valuation multiple…It would also be an accretive use of Apple’s cash and even more so if Apple’s $200Bn of offshore cash can be repatriated favorably.
Additionally, in November 2016, Liberty Media Chairman John Malone predicted that if Disney were to spin-off ESPN, Apple could buy it.

“Fundamentally, Tim Cook is a global player, and fundamentally, ESPN is a domestic service,” Malone said, that Apple and Disney would be a better fit without ESPN because then they would both be global players without domestic ESPN holding them back.

While the likelihood of such a deal might be a long shot, it is interesting to ponder what such a deal could mean for both companies.

Stay tuned for more information on this story as it becomes available.

Disney CEO Bob Iger Extends Contract Through 2019

WDWNT on March 27, 2017

On Thursday, the Walt Disney Company announced the extension of current CEO Bob Iger’s contract to July 2, 2019. The complex nature of finding a suitable replacement has proven challenging in the years since Mr. Iger first announced his desire to retire. Since it is a “robust process of identifying a successor and ensuring a smooth transition” the Board of Directors felt keeping the steady approach Mr. Iger has provided would best serve the Company.

Robert A. Iger

In the release, the Independent of Lead Director of the Disney Board Orin C. Smith highlighted Mr. Iger’s success’s over his first 11 years as CEO. Among those achievements are the 448% growth in shareholder returns while simultaneously increasing the market capitol of the company from $46 billion to $177 billion.

Mr. Iger expressed his gratitude in saying “leading this Company is a tremendous privilege, and I am honored to have been asked to continue serving as CEO” adding “even with the incredible success the Company has achieved, I am confident that Disney’s best days are still ahead”.

As part of his agreement, Mr. Iger will receive a $5 million dollar bonus for staying on. In addition to the bonus, Mr. Iger will remain a consultant for the company for 3 years following his retirement. Back in 2011, Mr. Iger announced his intentions to step down in 2015. The departures of CFO Jay Rasulo and COO Tom Staggs left no clear successor within the company. This latest extension marks the 3rd time that Mr. Iger’s contract has been extended since his initial announcement.

With Pandora: World of Avatar set to open this spring and both Toy Story and Star Wars Lands set to open by 2019, it makes sense that Mr. Iger would want to stay on for those openings as the acquisition of both Pixar and Lucasfilm have been huge success under the Iger tenure.

Disney World Theme Parks Adjust Security Screenings Following Guest Attempting to Bring In Loaded Gun

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Following Monday’s incident where a Louisiana man attempted to bring a loaded gun into Epcot, Walt Disney World Security has altered the way in which they are screening guests entering the park.

Gates force all guests without bags to funnel into a now mandatory metal detector screening at Hollywood Studios

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests without bags are now being directed down a new route where they are forced to be screened a metal detector. Previously, these screenings were at random, although it was not uncommon at select times to find occurrences where Disney security cast members would send everyone coming in through metal detector screenings.

It is unknown if this will be the new standard procedure or if it is just being done temporarily placate guests fearful after Monday’s incident.

UPDATE: Disney Drops Twitter Pursuit After Image Concerns

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

According to Bloomberg:

Walt Disney Co. decided not to pursue a bid for Twitter Inc. partly out of concern that bullying and other uncivil forms of communication on the social media site might soil the company’s wholesome family image, according to people familiar with management’s thinking.

The producer of family fare like “Finding Dory” had gone so far as to hire two investment banks, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Guggenheim Partners LLC, to help evaluate a bid for Twitter. Disney management also listened to a presentation about the business from Twitter executives, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions were private.

There were other reasons for Disney not to pursue Twitter. The social media pioneer, creator of the 140-character tweet, is losing money and yet sports a market value of almost $12 billion. That would be a big deal even for Disney, which has a market value 12 times that. Some of Disney’s largest investors called the company over the past few weeks to express their displeasure with a Twitter purchase for those reasons, people close to the companies said.

Salesforce.com Inc. also decided against a Twitter bid, as did Alphabet Inc.’s Google.

Twitter could have been another milestone in the career of Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger. The 65-year-old can point to the success of other acquisitions made under his tenure such as Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm. In a public chat at Boston College earlier this month Iger talked about how critical it is for Disney’s brands to establish a direct connection to consumers via mobile devices.

Iger recruited Twitter co-founder and CEO Jack Dorsey to the Disney board three years ago. Dorsey has said he respects Iger and considers him a mentor. Iger was invited to speak to Twitter’s senior staff about leadership at the beginning of the year.

Dorsey has been resistant to selling the company, however, hoping instead for more time to prove that a new live-video streaming strategy can help increase user growth, people familiar with the matter have said. Twitter’s board decided to retain bankers to explore the option after receiving interest from a prospective bidder that has since backed out.

Twitter has for years faced criticism for its hands-off approach to abuse and harassment on its service. Because people don’t have to use their real names, racist, sexist and anti-Semitic internet “trolls” have thrived on the platform. The company has pledged to become more serious about the issue in the last year, working on solutions such as letting people block keywords. Still, attacks this year have led to temporary departures of high-profile users including Leslie Jones, an actress in the movie “Ghostbusters,” as well as a New York Times journalist.

Twitter has only recently started exploring technological solutions to harassment on its service. Disney’s discomfort with abuse on the site indicates that it’s a larger problem for Twitter’s business prospects than its executives imagined.

Twitter shares rose less than 1 percent to $16.87 in early trading Tuesday.

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