Betting on Upcoming Disney Movies

The Walt Disney Company is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, consistently releasing films that capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide. From animated classics to live-action remakes and sprawling cinematic universes, Disney’s output is diverse and, more often than not, incredibly successful. But with such a vast slate of upcoming projects, there’s plenty of room for speculation, anticipation, and, yes, even betting on their future performance. This article delves into the exciting world of predicting Disney’s next moves, from box office records to potential flops and everything in between.

Predicting Box Office Champions

One of the most common areas for speculation is which upcoming Disney movie will break box office records. Disney already holds many box office records. Avengers: Endgame (2019) grossed $2.79 billion, and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) and the original Avatar are also in the top 5 highest grossing movies of all time. Inside Out 2 (2024) is Disney’s highest-grossing release overall with $1.6 billion.

Looking ahead, several contenders are generating significant buzz. Zootopia 2 (November 26, 2025) is a strong candidate. The original Zootopia was a massive hit, and the sequel is highly anticipated. Bookmakers currently favor Zootopia 2 to be the highest-grossing film of 2025, giving it a 33% implied probability. Avatar: Fire and Ash, scheduled for December 19, 2025, is another likely blockbuster, continuing James Cameron’s visually stunning and narratively ambitious saga.

Further into the future, Avengers: Doomsday (projected for 2026) is almost guaranteed to be a billion-dollar film, given the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) track record. Toy Story 5, also slated for 2026, will likely capitalize on nostalgia and the beloved franchise’s enduring popularity.

Identifying Potential Flops

While Disney has a remarkable success rate, not every film is a guaranteed hit. Predicting potential flops is a trickier but equally engaging aspect of Disney movie betting. Several factors can contribute to a film’s underperformance, including negative press, franchise fatigue, and changing audience tastes.

Snow White, the live-action remake starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, has been generating negative headlines since its inception, and this was reflected in its opening weekend. It took in around $43 million domestically and was said to cost $250 million to make.

Marvel films, once considered sure things, have shown signs of vulnerability. The Marvels (2023) was a significant box office disappointment. Upcoming MCU films like Thunderbolts (May 2, 2025) face the challenge of reigniting audience interest in a potentially oversaturated superhero market. Some are predicting it to be one of the biggest flops of 2025.

Betting on Future Projects

Beyond the immediate release schedule, there’s also the intriguing prospect of betting on which movies Disney will greenlight next. This involves analyzing trends, considering Disney’s existing intellectual property, and even paying attention to rumors and fan speculation.

Sequels to successful films are often a safe bet. Aladdin 2, Cruella 2, and Frozen 3 are all in various stages of development. Live-action remakes of animated classics continue to be a major focus for Disney, with Lilo & Stitch (May 23, 2025) being the next in line.

Disney’s acquisitions of major studios like Lucasfilm, Marvel, and 20th Century Studios have vastly expanded their potential slate. Predicting which characters or storylines from these universes will get their own movies or series is a popular pastime for fans and industry analysts alike.

Awards Season

Past performance at awards shows like the Oscars can help provide insight for anyone wanting to place bets on Disney movies. At the 97th Academy Awards, which took place on March 2, 2025, there was a mix of expected wins and surprising upsets. Disney, as a company, had a decent showing, earning 15 nominations across its various studios and platforms, including Pixar, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. However, the night ultimately belonged to the independent film Anora.

While Disney didn’t dominate the awards, the company continues to be a major force in the industry, consistently receiving nominations across a wide range of categories. The success of Anora, however, highlighted the growing strength and recognition of independent filmmaking within the Academy. Walt Disney himself still holds the record for most Oscar wins of all time, with 32. As of 2025, the Disney company has received a total of 151 Academy Awards.

The Future of Disney’s Cinematic Landscape

Disney’s dominance in the film industry shows no signs of waning. The company’s strategic acquisitions, commitment to diverse storytelling, and ability to tap into nostalgia give it a significant advantage. However, the entertainment landscape is constantly evolving, and Disney must adapt to changing audience preferences and emerging technologies.

The rise of streaming services, the potential for franchise fatigue, and the increasing demand for original content all present challenges and opportunities for Disney. Betting on the company’s future cinematic endeavors is not just about predicting box office numbers; it’s about anticipating how Disney will navigate these complex dynamics and continue to shape the future of entertainment.