Disney is set to invest at least $5 billion in production across the U.K. and continental Europe over the next five years, according to Jan Koeppen, the company’s European chief.
Koeppen, who oversees Disney’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, expressed optimism about the continued viability of superhero films. “[The genre] seems to have a lot of life left,” he told the Financial Times, reflecting on the success of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The film, produced at the U.
K.’s Pinewood Studios, has already raked in $903 million globally, setting a new record for R-rated film openings. “We feel like we’re really on a roll again with movies, which is fantastic.
I’ve been positive about people going to the movies again, and especially enjoying our movies,” Koeppen added. The U.K.
has been a significant production hub for Disney, with the company having spent approximately $3.5 billion there over the past five years. Iconic franchises like “Star Wars” have long called British studios home, with all nine Skywalker saga films produced in the country.
Looking ahead, Disney has lined up several high-profile projects for Pinewood, including “Snow White,” “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “The Roses,” and “The Amateur.” A new Star Wars film is also in the pipeline. The investment strategy extends beyond theatrical releases, with streamer Disney+ playing a crucial role in the company’s European expansion.
Koeppen noted that more tha.