Disney Expands Original IP Plan to Attract Gen Z Male Audiences

Walt Disney Studios has stepped up efforts to attract a younger male audience by seeking original film concepts designed to draw Gen Z men, defined as ages 13 to 28, back to theatrical releases in a meaningful way. The push, led by the studio’s live-action division head, with support from a high-profile executive recruited in 2024, signals a shift away from relying primarily on established franchises and seeks fresh IP that can deliver global adventures, treasure hunts, and other adventures that might resonate with a younger, gaming-oriented generation.

Industry insiders say the initiative has been a deliberate, ongoing priority for Disney’s leadership. The goal is not to abandon beloved franchises but to broaden the studio’s slate with new properties that can sustain a longer-term engagement with a demographic that has shown more selective appetite for sequels and reboots. The leadership team overseeing this effort has emphasized the value of originality, even as the company continues to mine its vault of iconic characters. To support the push, Disney has tapped a veteran producer known for steering high-profile projects and brought in an executive with experience in...