Steve Lotter warns about the influence of plagiarism on Disney series and the delicate balance of ‘Moon Girl and the Devil Dinosaur’.
In the world of animation, where fantasy comes to life and colors dance across our screens, a war is raging in the shadows that could decide the fate of our favorite series. This is the case of “Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur”, a series, at a critical moment, not in the narratives but in the real world, a pirate.
The Butterfly Effect at Disney: “The Ghost And Molly McGee” and its cancellation
Last month, the curtain closed on “The Ghost And Molly McGee” after two seasons. According to Steve Lotter, the series’ executive producer, this is a tragic event with its premature end: piracy. Lotter, in a statement around the entertainment world, said that simulcasting episodes has become piracy, drastically reducing viewing figures. This situation underscores the growing challenge at Disney, where the decision not to air the show translates into millions of lost viewings worldwide, affecting creators and executives whose livelihoods depend on the continuity and success of these productions.
Now, Lotter faces a similar challenge with “Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur,” the Marvel series he’s executive producing. With the new season scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in the United States on February 3, 2024, Lotter made a heartfelt plea to fans: Watch the series legally. “This is the time we need our most amazing fans,” he said. The future of the series seems to hang in the balance, depending on whether you have a legitimate audience to dream of a third season.
Disney’s Global Dilemma: Between Piracy and Release Strategies
The situation is further complicated by the lack of a release date for the second season in the UK and Canada, although it is confirmed to be coming to Australia and New Zealand on February 21, 2024. This delay in the international release, combined with fans being unsure of when they will be able to officially watch the show, is illegal. It exacerbates the temptation to use roads. In an increasingly connected world, Disney faces the challenge of adapting its launch strategies to minimize this phenomenon.
Piracy has had a significant impact on many series, reducing their legitimate audience and revenue. When viewers choose illegal ways to watch content, official viewing figures drop, which can lead to decisions to cancel or not renew a series. Additionally, Pirates invests in new seasons or similar projects as studios see financial returns and their production viability decline. This cycle poses a challenge for creators and executives in the entertainment industry.
In spite of these challenges, Disney like “Bad Batch,” “What if?” He has demonstrated his ability to deliver on Disney+ original titles such as and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” However, for many productions from its television studios, such as Disney Brand TV, National Geographic, ABC and FX, international releases are still rare. As Disney moves away from online formats, studios must adapt to this new landscape. In the meantime, fans can enjoy the first season of “Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur” on Disney+, future seasons will not be overshadowed by piracy.