Pixar, the animation powerhouse and integral component of Disney’s creative empire, finds itself at a crossroads marked by box office setbacks and the contemplation of significant layoffs. The studio’s latest cinematic offerings, notably “Soul” and “Elemental,” have had disastrous box office performances, sparking concerns about the future trajectory of this animation juggernaut.
The recent limited theatrical release “Soul” failed to resonate with audiences, drawing in only $125,000 on Friday night across 1,350 theaters. The-Numbers reported a total gross of $560,000 between January 12th and January 15th. These numbers amount to approximately $318 to theatre, indicating that nearly nobody went to see the movie.
Moreover, the tepid reception of “Soul” is not an isolated incident for Pixar. “Elemental,” Pixar’s other most recent release, faced a catastrophic opening weekend, grossing a mere $29.5 million domestically. This figure, coupled with an international gross of $15 million, paints a grim picture for a film with a reported production budget of $200 million. The film’s underwhelming performance has secured its position as Pixar’s worst-performing opening weekend in history, surpassing even the original “Toy Story” film from 1995. The industry is left to grapple with the implications of such a stark decline in box office returns for a studio that has historically been synonymous with animated success.
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To complicate matters further, these cinematic missteps come at a time when Pixar is reportedly considering substantial layoffs. Sources suggest that up to 20% of Pixar’s workforce, currently numbering 1,300, may face job cuts in the coming months. However, Pixar has contested these figures, asserting that the actual number of impacted employees is still undetermined, taking into account factors such as production schedules and staffing for future projects. The reported layoffs are perceived as a response to financial challenges exacerbated by the changing dynamics of film distribution.
Audiences are tired of what Disney and Pixar have to offer, which in recent times has been films without any strong sense of morality, muddied by identity politics. The studio opted to release films like “Soul,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red” directly on Disney+, bypassing traditional theatrical routes likely because they knew these films would fail. Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, acknowledging this shift, emphasized that these films were “made to be seen on the big screen,” highlighting the immersive experience that theaters offer. However, the studio’s challenge lies in convincing audiences to prioritize the theatrical experience over the convenience of streaming from home.
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As Pixar grapples with these challenges, discussions about consolidating Pixar and Walt Disney Animation have surfaced. The prospect of streamlining these two entities raises questions about the necessity of maintaining separate, costly corporate structures for studios that share a common goal of delivering captivating animated content. This potential consolidation reflects a broader industry trend where studios are reevaluating their operational models in response to evolving consumer preferences and the financial complexities introduced by streaming platforms.
Pixar finds itself navigating turbulent waters as it confronts box office disappointments, potential layoffs, and a shifting industry landscape dominated by streaming services. The reported layoffs, if realized, could signify a pivotal moment for Pixar, prompting the studio to reassess its organizational structure and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.
What do you think about Pixar’s “Soul” bombing at the box office? Is Disney in worse trouble? Leave a comment and let us know.
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Theatres must looooooove Disney after pulling this shit.