With the acquisition of 20th Century Fox, its affiliated studio labels, and various other media networks by Disney finally completed, the House of Mouse now has control over a significant number of movie releases before the year 2019 is out. This multi-studio blitz of numerous films has been described, both in awe and derision, as the “Disney Death Star†phenomenon.
While Disney may have shuttered the Fox 2000 label as part of its ongoing reorganization, and layoffs are expected as divisions considered “frivolous†to the post-merge are removed, it has now taken over distribution of a number of Fox film releases for this year under Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Here’s a selection of 2019 Fox movies now releasing under Disney. Compare with the release schedule for Disney’s own films, and you’ll see that the year’s practically covered by both:
- Breakthrough – April 7, a book adaptation based on a real-life story
- Ad Astra – May 24, sci-fi film starring Brad Pitt
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix – June 7, Marvel film featuring X-Men
- Stuber – July 12, action-comedy
- New Mutants – August 2, Marvel film featuring X-Men related characters
- Spies in Disguise – September 13, animated film starring Will Smith aka Genie for 2019’s “Aladdinâ€
- The Art of Racing in the Rain – September 27, comedy film adapted from novel
- The Woman in the Window – October 4, mystery thriller adapted from novel
- Call of the Wild – December 25, adaptation of classic book by Jack London
That would now cover the blank month of September where Disney’s existing studios don’t have a film premiering. That’s the Disney Death Star in action, and it’s only going to become very obvious in the years to come.