NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell believes that these days, the company is giving Disney a run for its money in the animation department.
During a Q&A at the UBS media conference, Shell declared that NBCUniversal stands as a tough competitor to Disney's animation. "If you had gone back 10 years and said Disney is ever going to be challenged in animation, everyone would have said that is impossible," Shell said. Now "I honestly think that… our animation rivals if not surpasses Disney."
In light of these comments, it is significant to note that in 2023, Disney will be scaling back on its content output. The media giant is shifting its focus to quality over quantity. Disney's annual report highlighted these developments stating, "In fiscal 2023, the Studios plan to produce approximately 40 titles, which include films and episodic television programs, for distribution theatrically and/or on our DTC platforms."
Disney Is Preparing for Big Changes in 2023
Additionally, Disney's General Entertainment division -- including ABC Signature, Disney Television Animation and FX Productions -- is aiming to produce nearly 270 more programs as opposed to only 145 in 2021. Disney’s subsidiaries like Marvel Studios will also be making a similar transition in terms of the quality of content they will produce in the upcoming year. The shift is being attributed to supposed negative internal feedback of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Disney ex-CEO Bob Chapek also made some negative comments about Disney's animation that reportedly undermined both Disney and Pixar employees. According to reports, during an interview at a Wall Street Journal conference, Chapek stated that adults have stopped watching Disney's animation productions. Earlier this year, the controversial ex-CEO also stated that the Disney+ streaming service was underpriced.
Aside from his comments regarding animation, Shell also addressed questions about Disney's control over Hulu, which is also partly owned by Comcast, the larger corporation that NBCU is a part of. The CEO suspects that Disney will soon be striking a deal to buy the rest of Hulu. Currently, Disney owns 66 percent of Hulu, with Comcast holding 33 percent of the remaining stakes. "We have a put, they have a call," Shell explained. Further discussing the deal that is likely to resolve in early 2024, Shell said, "It's worth a lot of money and I think there's no indication that anything else is going to happen than Disney writing us a big check."
Source: Deadline