Disney President Dana Walden on the Future of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and Why the Live-Action ‘Moana’ Struggled at the Box Office
Is Jimmy Kimmel returning to ABC next year? Disney president and chief creative officer Dana Walden says she’s working on it. “It’s a very challenging daypart, late-night,” Walden said during her Thursday morning conversation at Bloomberg’s Screentime. “That’s not to say that Jim
Dana Walden's comments on the future of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" have sparked interest in the late-night TV landscape. As Disney's president and chief creative officer, Walden's perspective carries weight, and her hints about working on Kimmel's return suggest that ABC is eager to retain its late-night staple. The challenges of the late-night daypart are well-documented, with many shows struggling to find an audience in a crowded and fragmented media environment.
Walden's discussion of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was just one part of a broader conversation about Disney's priorities and challenges. She also touched on the live-action "Moana" film, which underperformed at the box office. The film's struggles are a reminder that not every Disney property can rely on brand recognition to guarantee success. The live-action remake trend, which has been a major driver of Disney's recent strategy, may be showing signs of fatigue. As the studio looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how it adapts to changing audience preferences and box office dynamics.
Looking ahead, industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on Disney's plans for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and its live-action slate. Will Kimmel return to ABC, and if so, what format will the show take? Can Disney revive the live-action remake trend, or will it shift focus to other areas, such as streaming or original series? With Disney's earnings on the horizon, investors and analysts will be listening for updates on the company's strategy and priorities.
Originally reported by variety.com. FashionWire adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.