Search form

Multiple Disney Animated Sequels in the Works, Though Company Layoffs Planned

Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed new ‘Frozen’, 'Toy Story,’ and ‘Zootopia’ franchise features are coming during yesterday’s Q1 earnings call, which also announced a 7,000-employee layoff, part of a plan to significantly transform the company’s creative and financial landscape.

Disney CEO Bob Iger held his first earnings call yesterday since returning to the company in November, and the numbers are good! But need to be better! In addition to announcing a positive financial outlook for the upcoming year, including better-than-expected Disney+ revenues, Iger has also revealed that the company is moving ahead with sequels for the ‘Frozen,’ 'Toy Story,’ and ‘Zootopia’ franchises.

“Today I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises, Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia,” Iger said. “We’ll have more to share about these productions soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivaled brands and franchises.”

While the news of upcoming sequels is exciting, the decision is most likely financial as Disney seeks to make a “significant transformation” by way of expense reductions. All in the name of boosting a sagging stock price. In an effort to cut costs, the Mouse House plans to save $5.5 billion in part by laying off 7,000 employees. Now, the company has chosen to continue franchises that have a history of making major dough. Frozen 2 took in $1.45 billion in 2019, while Pixar’s Toy Story 4 earned $1.07 billion in 2019 and Zootopia netted $1.02 billion in 2016. Compared to newer films, such as the disappointing Strange World, tried and true titles are the safest monetary bets.

“We believe the work we are doing to reshape our company around creativity, while reducing expenses, will lead to sustained growth and profitability for our streaming business, better position us to weather future disruption and global economic challenges, and deliver value for our shareholders,” Iger said in a statement prior to the Q1 earnings call.

Despite the alleged cold, hard, green reasoning behind the sequel announcement, and the always unfortunate job losses the always come with “reorgs,” we cannot wait for a Frozen 3, Toy Story 5, and especially a Zootopia 2. Which film are you most excited to see?

Laurén Alexa's picture

Cybersecurity specialist by day, investigative journalist by night.