Many industry observers argue that Disney has largely lost its male audience, despite releasing a flood of Star Wars and Marvel content. According to Cosmic Book News, Disney may be looking to acquire Lionsgate in an effort to bring men back and Netflix could get in its way.
In recent years, Lionsgate has built a reputation around male-oriented franchises such as John Wick, The Expendables, and Saw. However, the studio also boasts a broader portfolio. The Hunger Games films attract family audiences, while I Can Only Imagine and Mel Gibson’s upcoming The Resurrection of the Christ appeal to the faith-based film market. Lionsgate also experienced a major global success with the musical biopic Michael.
An image from Michael – YouTube, Universal Pictures
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These are all areas where Disney has traditionally excelled. For Disney, a partnership with Lionsgate could offer a reliable pipeline of theatrical content designed primarily for adult audiences, especially men. Such a relationship could also help diversify Disney’s theatrical slate at a time when concerns about franchise fatigue continue to grow across the industry.
Netflix May Complicate Disney’s Plans
However, Disney may not have the luxury of pursuing Lionsgate without competition.
Recent reports indicated that Netflix was among the companies exploring a possible acquisition of Lionsgate following its unsuccessful pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery. Investors appeared to take the idea seriously, and shares of the studio rose by 14%.
The logos for Netflix and Disney – Netflix, Disney
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The streamer was quick to shut down the rumors. “Netflix is not interested and is not pursuing Lionsgate,” a Netflix spokesperson said.
Yet the denial appears to have done little to quiet speculation. Matt McGloin at Cosmic Book News claims that insiders are telling him that Netflix remains interested in the Lionsgate catalog. After all, Lionsgate remains one of the few major independent studios with an extensive library of recognizable intellectual property.
Two Very Different Strategies
While Netflix has attracted subscribers through original content like Stranger Things and One Piece, established brands, premium intellectual property, and traditional Hollywood assets continue to make up a significant portion of its offerings. Having first access to Lionsgate properties could potentially attract more viewers and reduce subscriber churn.
The Straw Har Crew in One Piece Season 2 – Netflix
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Meanwhile, Disney may be more interested in Lionsgate as a theatrical engine. As the studio searches for new ways to revive “boy brands” such as Marvel and Star Wars, which critics argue have lost focus, acquiring franchises with built-in male audiences could buy it valuable time. New John Wick and The Expendables films would allow Disney to continue filling theaters—and eventually streaming platforms—while giving some of its own overused properties an opportunity to rest.
Hollywood’s Next Battle
As the Paramount merger with Warner Bros. enters final approval, Disney may soon face even greater competition. David Ellison’s company will bring Harry Potter, Superman, Star Trek, Transformers, and numerous other legacy properties under the same corporate roof. If bringing men back to movie theaters is among Paramount’s goals, it will arguably be in a strong position to accomplish it.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts movie poster (2023), Paramount Pictures
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Whether Disney ultimately partners with Lionsgate, Netflix revisits its interest, or neither scenario materializes, the attention surrounding the studio reveals something larger about the current state of Hollywood. First, consolidation appears to be slowing down very little.
Second, in an era increasingly defined by streaming, family brands, and global franchises, the battle for the male moviegoing audience may once again become one of the industry’s most important competitions.
Who do you think will end up with Lionsgate? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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