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“Lightyear” grossed $118.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $108.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $226.4 million.
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“Lightyear” had a production budget of $200 million, not including marketing and promotion costs.
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The highest-grossing movie in history is “Avatar,” which has a worldwide box office gross of over $2.9 billion.
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“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” has grossed over $871 million at the global box office as of April 2023.
Disney‘s casting of Halle Bailey, an African American actress, as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” has sparked controversy among fans of the original film. While some applaud Disney’s efforts to increase representation, others criticize the decision as an example of political correctness. The backlash reflects the ongoing debate over diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, where the push for representation is often met with resistance from those who view it as an unnecessary imposition.
The inclusion of a brief lesbian kiss in “Lightyear” has also sparked criticism from some viewers, who argue that it’s an attempt to push an agenda rather than a genuine effort to increase representation. While some applaud Disney’s efforts to include LGBTQ characters in its films, others view it as an empty gesture that fails to address larger issues of representation and inclusion.
Despite Disney’s attempts to increase representation in its films, the company still has a long way to go in terms of accurately and authentically portraying diversity. Historically, Disney has showcased racial caricatures and perpetuated negative stereotypes, a legacy that still resonates with many viewers. While the company’s recent efforts are a step in the right direction, they must be viewed in the context of a larger history of exclusion and stereotyping.
This inclusion and diversity efforts are due to a Disney’s program called Reimagine Tomorrow, that has been in the middle of critics, as well.
What is the Disney’s Reimagine Tomorrow program?
Disney has been at the center of controversy in recent years regarding its diversity and inclusion initiatives. The company’s Reimagine Tomorrow program, which aims to promote diversity and inclusion among its employees, has been accused of pushing a leftist agenda, with its training materials criticized for promoting concepts such as “systemic racism,” “white privilege,” and “antiracism.”
Critics argue that these concepts promote division and are contrary to the company’s stated mission of providing family-friendly entertainment that appeals to all audiences. They claim that Disney’s focus on identity politics and critical race theory is divisive and detracts from the company’s primary purpose of creating enjoyable experiences for people of all backgrounds.
Additionally, Disney has faced criticism for its lack of representation of LGBTQ individuals in its films, as well as for its past use of racial caricatures in its animated features. While the company has made efforts to improve representation and provide a more authentic portrayal of diverse cultures, some argue that it has not gone far enough to address its past missteps.
However, it’s worth noting that Disney has also implemented the Inclusion Key, an initiative aimed at creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture. The program aims to ensure that all employees and guests feel welcome and included, regardless of their background or identity.
While there may be valid concerns about Disney’s approach to diversity and inclusion, it’s important to acknowledge that the company is making an effort to create a more inclusive environment. Whether or not critics agree with the methods or policies, it’s clear that Disney is taking steps to address its past shortcomings and improve the experiences of its employees and guests.
Nevertheless, the leaked documents obtained by Christopher F. Rufo in 2021 have brought the program under scrutiny, with some accusing Disney of promoting a political agenda and others calling for a more balanced approach to diversity and inclusion. However, some anonymous sources within Disney have defended the program, stating that it has improved dialogue and teamwork within the company. Despite the controversy, Disney has announced that it will continue with the Reimagine Tomorrow initiative.
Ultimately, the debate over Disney’s diversity and inclusion efforts highlights the complexity of these issues and the challenges that companies face in balancing their social responsibilities with their commercial interests. The controversy surrounding “Reimagine Tomorrow” and other initiatives underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and engagement on these critical topics.
