The year has been tumultuous for the film industry, but three Disney films are shaping up to potentially surpass a billion dollars in box office earnings. Following an arduous period for cinemas, the likely success of Encanto, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Eternals signal a revival era for the movie industry in the post-pandemic period.
Encanto, the latest offering from Disney’s hit animation studios, carries high expectations. The movie uses vibrant and refreshing storytelling to present a tale about a magical family residing in Colombia. With its infectious music created by Lin-Manuel Miranda and visually enriching scenes, it is predicted to follow its predecessors like Frozen and Moana, that garnered remarkable success at the box office.
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s venture Spider-Man: No Way Home is another strong contender, presenting an enticing offer for Marvel fans. Its unique appeal comes with the promise of a crossover featuring actors from previous Spider-Man incarnations, including Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. This multi-layered narrative, combined with the curiosity and anticipation fostered by its trailers, places it in a prime position to attract a massive audience.
Lastly, Eternals, directed by Chloe Zhao—the Academy Award-winning director—has the potential to achieve high earnings. Though the film introduces new characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and deviates slightly from the standard Marvel tropes, its intriguing narrative and star-studded cast—including Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek—make it an intriguing proposition for audiences worldwide.
Over the past few years, Disney’s commitment to inclusive representation and diverse narratives has propelled it towards success, and these films are no exception. With Encanto’s focus on Colombian heritage and Eternals’ multi-ethnic cast, the film industry giant further establishes itself as a forerunner of cultural and representative storytelling.
The three films’ journey to the billion-dollar mark isn’t going to be a smooth one, given the ongoing uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. Both theatre attendance and box office earnings have seen significant drops, and recovery depends on various factors outside of the industry’s control. However, the trend of increasing digital releases provides a valuable alternative, allowing these films to broaden their reach even amongst those who may not yet be comfortable returning to cinemas.
The upcoming success of Encanto, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Eternals could potentially mark a turning point for Disney, bolstering the hope for the entire film industry in a post-pandemic world. It’s a promising glimpse into the future and signals that, despite external challenges, the magic and wonder of storytelling continue to captivate audiences at an unyielding pace.