Wakanda Forever Reigns Supreme Outperforming the Average Disney Movie
We know that the Oscars are responsible for a significant bump in a movie’s popularity, but what it is about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever that has viewers coming back for more?
Since launching Disney+ in November of 2019, the House of Mouse has become a major player in the streaming industry, gaining millions of subscribers along the way. Offering legacy content — goodbye VHS vault — and a steady stream of wildly popular original content thanks to Marvel and Star Wars, Disney+ has an incredibly strong track record when it comes to streaming performance, and they continue to be popular with audiences of all ages.
Why Disney Content Does So Well
Compared to many other major streaming platforms, Disney+ inspires viewership through five main factors — nostalgia, family-friendly content, variety, accessibility and brand recognition.
Nostalgia: Many people grew up watching Disney movies, so they have a special place in their hearts. Streaming these movies brings back fond memories of childhood and allows people to relive those moments.
Family-friendly content: Disney movies are known for being family-friendly, with wholesome stories and positive messages. Parents can feel comfortable letting their children watch these movies without worrying about inappropriate content.
Variety: Disney has a vast library of movies, including animated classics, live-action films, and newer releases. This means there is something for everyone, regardless of age or interests.
Accessibility: Streaming services make it easy to access Disney movies from the comfort of your own home. With a few clicks, you can watch your favorite movie without having to go to a physical store or wait for it to come on TV.
Brand recognition: Disney is a well-known and beloved brand around the world, with a reputation for quality entertainment. This reputation alone can draw people to stream Disney movies.
Enter Wakanda
The first Black Panther movie was released in 2018 and quickly became a global sensation. Five years later, ruring the week of January 30 – February 5, 2023, Black Panther had 7.6 times higher streaming and engagement than the average movie on Disney+, while Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had 83.2 times higher streaming and engagement. The date here corresponds to the week Wakanda Forever premiered on Disney+. The film’s wild success can be attributed to several factors, including:
Representation: Black Panther was one of the first major superhero films with a predominantly Black cast and crew. It showcased the beauty and richness of African culture and provided representation for a historically underrepresented group in Hollywood.
Storytelling: The film’s story was compelling and well-crafted, with strong themes of family, identity, and legacy. The characters were well-developed and relatable, making audiences care about their journey.
Visuals: The film’s stunning visuals and special effects were a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors, detailed costumes, and beautiful landscapes of Wakanda created a world that audiences wanted to immerse themselves in.
Timeliness: Black Panther was released at a time when society was hungry for positive representation of diverse communities. The film’s themes of justice, equality, and social change resonated with audiences, making it more than just a superhero movie.
All of these factors contributed to the immense popularity of the first Black Panther film and it’s fair to say it’s why Wakanda Forever has made such an impact. It’s a film that hits every reason why subscribers love Disney content and pairs it with the factors above creating an absolutely winning combination for Disney+. It also doesn’t hurt that actress Angela Bassett is on an award-winning streak for her performance as Queen Ramonda.
