Disney has suffered a drastic drop in its stock value, losing nearly 4 billion dollars in less than a week. This reputational crisis coincides with a significant number of cancellations in its Disney+ subscriptions, which have been driven by the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s show, leading to a wave of protests and negative reactions on social media.
Nothing like a good boycott to change their minds
More than 400 celebrities, including some directly linked to Disney, signed a letter denouncing what they consider an attack on freedom of expression following the cancellation of the program. Actresses like Tatiana Maslany, known for her role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, urged followers to show their discontent “in the only place that really hurts them”: their wallets. The strategy seems to have paid off, as the drop in subscribers has been notable.
Despite the financial blow, some analysts argue that the loss of $4 billion, which represents only 2% of Disney’s total value, is not concerning in the long term. However, this event highlights a reputation crisis and the growing concern about public reaction in the current climate. ABC, after a week of cancellations, has decided that Kimmel will return to the screen, and production will resume this Tuesday. The network justified the decision as an attempt to avoid additional tensions at a critical time.
However, Kimmel’s situation is uncertain. Shis contract with ABC ends in 2026, and in this context, there are rumors that he might be considering leaving the show to explore new opportunities. Meanwhile, tonight’s monologue is highly anticipated, as it could be a key indicator of his future and the direction Disney will take in the current challenging landscape.