Disney Studios CEO, Bob Chapek, does not seem to know the audience of the company he directs very well. He believes that adult audiences are not interested in watching animated films. While I’m sure this is true for some people, I’m pretty confident that most adult Disney fans enjoy watching animated movies. I know I do!
In the video below, Chapek is answering a question during the Wall Street Journal Tech Live and says:
“I always say that after our audience puts our babies to bed after seeing Pinnochio or Dumbo or The Little Mermaid, they probably won’t tune in to another animated movie. They want something for them.”
As you can imagine, Chapek is receiving a lot of heated reactions from Disney fans. As for my position on this, I raised three girls and when they were younger we always watched Disney animated films! Then, after they fell asleep and went to bed in the middle of a movie, my wife and I finished watching it!
Those old classic movies are a joy to watch and everywhere I watch them, they bring back those wonderful nostalgic feelings. I think Chapek speaks for himself when he says this; I’m pretty sure he’s the adult who doesn’t like watching Disney animated movies, which is funny considering his stance.
There is plenty of room for adults to enjoy watching adult films and animated films!
The CEO of @Disney he doesn’t believe animated films are for adults. 🙄 #WSJTechLive #Bob Chapek pic.twitter.com/4eyvR5MM77
– CafeFantasia 💫 (@CafeFantasia) October 26, 2022
Here are some of the fan reactions Chapek is getting:
What Chapek said not only pisses me off because it’s not true, but also because he’s a damned CEO of a company that embraces the idea that animation is for all ages, not just kids.
Here is a quote from Walt Disney himself debunking Chapek’s BS. #AnimationisForEveryone https://t.co/xqn93QLzEN pic.twitter.com/KTqhJoL3rM
– Omid (@OmidIranmanesh) October 27, 2022
“Entertainment is for children”
Shocked that this prospect still exists, let alone a huge figure at Disney.
I am extremely out of this world! https://t.co/MxLoy2o8E5 pic.twitter.com/IRVqhIeG9Z
– JustAcritic (@HardeepNews) October 27, 2022
Is the animation strictly for children? brother has never seen a fucking movie outside of a disney animation clearly https://t.co/PmjEKGuf0P pic.twitter.com/RICMpPpLae
– spooky goofy alex 🎮🎞🖤 (@james_mcavoys) October 27, 2022
You are quite right, Mr. Disney! Entertainment is for children only!
Sell these licenses now and stop pretending to be interested in the medium, you stupid hacker. https://t.co/PFKBCoNg6Y pic.twitter.com/7shWXacabC
– Nerd_Read NodeTaker! _ (@Youfreakinnerd) October 27, 2022
Snow White was a hit film because it was their first full-length animated film. ALL the money the studio had invested in it. If it fails, Disney won’t exist. The children AND the adults were clamoring to go see that movie and that saved the company. Disney wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the animation https://t.co/t3w2ae5njN
– bobbi loves vampires ❤️🩸 (@hiimbobbi) October 27, 2022
With Chapek’s take on animation, Disney’s little marketing for Strange World makes sense. He clearly sees animation as a kid distractor on Disney + rather than big theatrical events like Marvel.
That explains the cheap Wimpy Kid / Ice Age movies and 3 Pixar movies in a row on Disney +. pic.twitter.com/lZK7fafMuh
– 🎃AlBOOto🎃SCAREera🎃 (@ Alberto9Herrera) October 27, 2022
Disney CEO: I don’t think animation is for adults.
Me: So you’re basically saying this is just for kids …#Helluva Boss pic.twitter.com/3KBABhwkmu
– 👻𝐸𝒹 🎃 (@ Hellbar666) October 27, 2022
lol. And there, succinctly summed up, is the attitude that my colleagues and I have rejected against our entire careers. Animation is only considered “just for kids” in the US, and that’s partly due to Disney’s hegemony and attitudes like this on the part of some executives. https://t.co/Nl5PR5Xmpm
– DEMARK SPIRAL CURSE (@ Clarknova1) October 27, 2022
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Errol Villanueva is an author and lifestyle journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a passion for exploring the latest trends in fashion, food, travel, and wellness, Errol’s articles are a must-read for anyone interested in living a stylish and fulfilling life.
