TV NEWS
Why Spider-Verse
And Mario's Soaring Success Leaves Behind Disney Animation
By AAHIL DAYANI
In 2019, Disney boasted 3 billion dollar-grossing animated flicks. Since then, the company debuted two unprecedented bombs with “Strange World” and “Lightyear.”
“Super Mario Bros” and “Spider-Verse” are innovating, but Disney has found itself stuck. Through a series of managerial missteps, Disney Animation has handed its throne to others.
In keeping with Illumination’s mantra of creating crowd-pleasing films, “Mario Bros.” doesn’t go beyond its means and tries its best to create something that isn’t overly complex.
Unlike Disney’s contemporary films, the appeal of “Super Mario” was wholly universal — audiences around the world knew they were getting a simple, family-friendly comedy.
With “Spider-Verse,” it's the franchise's ability to chart a new path with its inventive animation, bleeding traditional hand-drawn looks with contemporary CG.
The film’s visuals set it apart, proving that audiences are ready to digest animation styles that don't replicate reality. “Spider-Verse” plays with a range of images and designs.
For Disney, this should be a wake-up call that their animation style is getting stale — audiences are ready for more visual risks.
With “Wish,” Disney seems to be doing just that, blending 3D animation with watercolors to create a look that no one else is doing. The audience will judge if it’s enough.