Free Republic

Disney’s animated movie ‘Lightyear’ flopped in its first weekend in theaters, with the new Toy Story spin-off film earning $51.7 million in North America. Not only did the movie open lower than expected, but it also failed to conquer ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’, which held on to the first-place spot with $58.7 million in its second weekend. Expectations were very high for ‘Lightyear’, an origin story about the movie that inspired the space ranger action figure in the ‘Toy Story’ movies, with some analysts pegging the movie for a $70 million North American debut. But it didn't even come close to...

The mystery with Disney is what was the business decision behind inserting a same-sex scene in the kid’s film?It is apparent the Disney Corporation — in regards to its dramatic releases — is going with a current slate of recycled properties. Established characters and plotlines are being pimped out in theaters and on the Disney+ streaming service. Sequels and extended storylines have been joined by a raft of origin stories. The success of “The Mandalorian” birthed “The Book of Bobba Fett,” and the long-gestating “Obi-Wan” was given life. Now they are tapping into the goldmine of the “Toy Story” franchise...