It’s no secret that 2023 wasn’t a great year for Disney. Despite turning 100 years old and celebrating it with the premiere of “Wish: The Power of Wishes” in 2024, the public was not as enthusiastic about this story as it was with the new Marvel films (except for “Guardians of the Dead” Galaxy Volume 3′).
Because of this, the company has announced a change in strategy, and below we’ll tell you what we know.
What does “woke” mean and why is it associated with Disney?
In recent decades, the word “woke” has been associated with different movements against social injustices. However, in recent years it has already suffered a setback, as a political sector in Europe has come out against it fearing the effects it may have on various social sectors.
According to the “CNN en Español” portal, the Oxford dictionary incorporated it in 2016 and defines it as: “Notice of injustice in society, especially racism.”
While the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “with awareness and attention to important events and questions (especially issues of racial and social justice).”
What does it mean for Disney to be called “woke”?
In the popular terms “woke” implied being aware of the inequalities and working to combat them, which is why many people have pointed out that Disney followed this trend with their latest works.
The company has spoken out on issues such as gender diversity and LGBTQ+ rights. For example, they cast Halle Bailey to star in the new version of The Little Mermaid, which drew both applause and criticism, as many wanted the studio’s princess to be played by someone more akin to the animated classic.
In addition, Disney opposed a law in Florida that banned teaching about sexuality and diversity in elementary schools. This led to tensions with Republican lawmakers and the loss of its special legal status in the state.
In recent years, Disney has been at the center of debate regarding its focus on representation and inclusivity in its films and shows.
Recently, Disney CEO Bob Iger shared his vision for the future of content in an interview with CNBC. While he denied that Disney movies and shows are “woke” as other people claim, he did acknowledge that search messages are included.
Iger emphasized that Disney’s main goal is entertainment, but they are also trying to reach a different audience, as their goal is for the audience to feel like they are reflected in the stories they tell.
Although this mission was not easy, since there is a conflict between representation, entertainment and everyone’s pleasure. Let’s remember that in 2022, the film “A Strange World” introduced the studio’s first LGBTQ+ character, while “Lightyear” (2022) caused a lot of controversy by including a brief kiss scene between two women.
The studio’s plan is to find the balance between diversity and entertainment without giving in to external pressures. The future of the company rests in the hands of a careful transition and the selection of the right successor to the management position.
Although this change will be reflected in a few years, since the studio has prepared the premiere of two of the most anticipated films in 2024: “Deadpool & Wolverine” (July 25) and “Inside Out 2” (June 13).
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Source: univision
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
