Theatre. Hollywood wants the stage.
Studios are turning their biggest worlds into stage shows. It worked once before, when Disney moved into a derelict Broadway theatre and changed a city.
THE GIST ON THEATRE: "Why Hollywood Is Moving Into Theatre"
Why is Hollywood moving into theatre?
From box office to Broadway, Hollywood is moving into stage in a serious way. StudioCanal has launched a full theatre division, and Netflix, Universal and Disney are turning their biggest TV and film worlds into stage shows.
Wicked is now Universal's most valuable IP, and the Stranger Things play became a sell-out event on Broadway and in the West End. Studios now treat theatre as a core part of their franchises.
Has this been tried before?
It's not new. It's a strategy that changed a city. New York was basically a red light district, and the city convinced Disney to take over the then-abandoned New Amsterdam theatre.
That one move cleaned up the entire area. Tourism surged, crime fell and Broadway became what it is today.
What does the stage give a studio?
A stage show keeps a franchise alive between releases. It turns IP into a physical experience that people will travel for.
It also gives studios something streaming can't: a permanent presence in major cities. Longer lasting, more emotional and more influential than any marketing campaign.
Stage show or film version?
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Quick answers
Which studios are moving into theatre?
StudioCanal has launched a theatre division, and Netflix, Universal and Disney are turning big TV and film worlds into stage shows.
What did Disney do on Broadway?
It took over the abandoned New Amsterdam theatre, which cleaned up the area. Tourism surged, crime fell and Broadway became what it is today.
Why do studios want theatre?
It keeps a franchise alive between releases, turns IP into an experience people travel for, and gives a permanent presence in major cities.
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