Things certainly have changed! WithDisneyas a whole and Disney+ in particular, the company is far aground from where it began in conservative America a century ago. Disney truly gained power in the late 50s and early 60s, pre-Vietnam, let’s say – back when patriotism was good for business.
However, as Disney attempts to navigate the tricky socio-political landscape of the world in the twenty-first century, the company finds itself at odds with the strict conservative ethos it manifestly followed as little as 50 years ago. Much-publicized conflicts with a certain extremist governor in Florida have placed the company in the unenviable position of possibly packing up and leaving the entire state to defend its ethical, progressive choice of inclusion in its media – most recently the sometimes-pannedLittle Mermaid(2023) – which was the center of controversy leading up to, and following its release. Why was this, you may ask?
Because Ariel wasn’t white – a strange complaint that seems to reverberate from the previously cited 50s. It is this sad state of affairs, a country moving backward, that Disney must now navigate despite the fact thatLittle Mermaidwas an unmitigated success. Has Charter joined in the chorus of right-wing conservatives, or is the battle between the companies truly only about profit?
Woke! Woke! Woke!
A prime example of the difficulties facing the company is the upcomingSnow Whitereboot, a live-action remake scheduled for 2024. It hasn’t made things easier for Disney as Rachel Zegler, the 22-year-old songstress and actor, is another woman of color set to replace the former titular character, causing pro-nazi and pro-fascist,anti-American groups on the fringesto cry ‘Woke! Woke!’.
The natural inclination from Disney executives and open-minded citizens is to ask why these ‘conservative’ groups don’t want anyone conscious – or awake – or ‘Woke’ – what’s the alternative? The opposite of being ‘woke’ is asleep or unconscious – is that what these extremists want – everyone asleep? Eyes closed, marching in line like zombies, never challenging the status quo. That simply describes the unequivocal antithesis of the spirit of the American Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and indeed, America itself.
Related:The Most Empowering Women Characters in Disney Animated Movies
The Money Conundrum
Disney and its streaming offspring Disney+ haveproven themselves financially lucrative. However, Charter at first glance would have appeared to have joined the loud but less-populated fringe of anti-woke, pro-conspiracy Republicans – but is it that simple?
Charter and Disneyhad a deal. Why are Mom and dad fighting? What’s the reason why fanatics aren’t getting their college football and why cable-subscribing kids can’t watchYoung Jedi Adventures? Is it because the Charter company is anti-‘Woke’, pro-extreme conservative, and republican Christian extremist?
No. The crux of the argument, at least on the surface, is about how much Disney+ can charge Charter for its content and how much Charter’s customers will pay for access to Disney’s streaming apps. Yet this all could also have much wider-ranging consequences. Charter was particularly concerned that Disney’s cable channels weren’t receiving as much funding or investment as its streamers were. At this point, it wasn’t inconceivable for Disney to move from Florida, release more and more inclusive content, and eventually move to a streaming-only business model via Disney+!
Related:The Little Mermaid Is Already Breaking Records On Disney+
Disney eventually noted the prior example of a sports streaming company called ‘Diamond’. In 2019, Dish dropped Diamond’s sports package of regional sports networks. Later outlets like YouTube TV and Hulu+ Live followed suit, and Diamond Sports never recovered. This example is especially pertinent for Disney+, giventhat sports rightsare the most costly in the entire entertainment industry, and Disney’s ESPN acquisition had become the most expensive sports channel on the planet.
What’s been set down so far between Disney and Charter? As part of the new deal, customers will be able to purchase Disney+, Hulu, or The Disney Bundle directly through Charter. A customer who purchases Spectrum TV’s ‘Select Plus’ plan will get the economy version of Disney+ included in their subscription. Not a bad deal.
