Disney Hunts for Bold New Stories to Win Over Gen Z Young Men

Growing up, for many millennials, Disney was not just a
company; it was a companion. From the epic adventures of a lion prince to the
charm of talking toys, its stories were the backdrop of childhood, building a
deep, generational bond. But the world has shifted. The audience that once
flocked to theaters is no longer the only one in the room. Now, a new
generation, Gen Z, is coming of age, and their tastes are a different kind of
magic altogether. This new chapter presents a challenge for the studio, forcing
it to look beyond its storied past and towards a future that requires fresh
ideas and a different kind of hero.

Disney is now subtly exploring new avenues, seeking to
recapture the attention of an audience that grew up in a digital world of
endless choices.

The search for new narratives by Disney

Disney is facing a new frontier as its reliable franchises,
like Marvel and Lucasfilm, struggle to connect with young men. To address this,
the studio is actively seeking original stories and concepts that resonate with
the 13 to 28-year-old male demographic. As multiple sources tell Variety, this strategic shift involves
developing fresh, innovative storylines that go beyond established intellectual
properties. The focus is on creating dynamic, adventurous, and treasure hunts
designed to capture the attention of a new, digitally native audience.

This new direction is being led by new creative leadership
within the studio. David Greenbaum, a former co-head of Searchlight Pictures,
and Daria Cercek, a former Paramount Pictures co-chief, are spearheading the
effort to produce content specifically for this demographic. While also
exploring other partnerships, Disney’s recent $1.5 billion investment in the
gaming company behind Fortnite shows its interest in aligning with gaming
culture, even if it does not grant it film rights to the popular game itself.

Even as the company confronts the challenge of attracting new audiences, it should not be forgotten that it has a legacy of storytelling that has defined generations.

Disney’s storytelling through generations

Over the generations, Disney’s storytelling has evolved
significantly, adapting to changing cultural norms and audience expectations.
In its classic era, stories often followed a straightforward narrative: a hero
on a singular journey, with clear distinctions between good and evil. The
emphasis was on external conflict and a focus on a happily-ever-after conclusion. These tales, largely inspired by fairy tales, were designed to be
timeless parables that offered moral clarity and a sense of magical escapism. Disney came back with a series of live-action movies, but did they attract the young men?

The modern era, however, has seen a fundamental shift in
this approach. Stories now prioritize character complexity, psychological
depth, and internal conflict. Modern Disney protagonists are often flawed and
must overcome personal struggles to achieve their goals, which are not always
about finding a prince or a perfect life. This move towards more nuanced
storytelling reflects a societal demand for authenticity and a desire to see
characters who feel more relatable and less like one-dimensional archetypes.

What new ideas can you suggest for movies and shows that can attract Gen-Z men? Let us know in the comments below.