A new Star Wars movie is hitting theaters next month, but early indicators suggest trouble for the once-dominant franchise. In a recent Fandango survey of 6,000 ticket buyers, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu failed to appear on the list of the ten most anticipated summer films.
Top spots on the list went to Toy Story 5 and the latest Spider-Man release, followed by titles like The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, Scary Movie 6, the live-action remake of Moana, Minions & Monsters, Mortal Kombat II, Supergirl, and Insidious: Part Ass. Not one Star Wars title made the cut.
For many longtime fans, that result would have been unthinkable before Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership at Lucasfilm. Under her direction, critics say the brand lost its identity and alienated loyal audiences. Once the cornerstone of Disney’s box office strategy, Star Wars films used to bring in at least a billion dollars worldwide. Now the franchise is struggling to generate excitement at all.
Disney may still celebrate the strong survey performance of Moana and Toy Story 5, but those hits come with a shadow over its biggest property. Once hailed as Hollywood’s most reliable brand, Star Wars seems adrift in an era when social messaging has outpaced storytelling.
Another name failing to spark attention in the Fandango poll is Steven Spielberg. His upcoming sci-fi project Disclosure Day debuts in mid-June but failed to land among the top choices. That might not surprise viewers who feel the legendary director has lost touch with mainstream audiences. Over the last twenty years, only Lincoln and Bridge of Spies have earned real praise. Films like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Adventures of Tintin, War Horse, The BFG, The Post, Ready Player One, West Side Story, and The Fabelmans left audiences cold.
Spielberg turns 80 this year and remains one of the richest figures in entertainment. However, his recent films show a huge disconnect with everyday moviegoers who crave stories that entertain more than preach.
Whether Disclosure Day and The Mandalorian and Grogu can turn things around is anyone’s guess. For many, the most intriguing summer release is The Odyssey. Others may skip the multiplex altogether in favor of classics on Turner Classic Movies.
Four decades ago, the idea of new Star Wars and Spielberg blockbusters would have thrilled any movie fan. Now, Hollywood seems to be learning that nostalgia can only go so far when fans no longer trust the storytellers behind the screen.
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English (US) · 