Walt Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, “Wish,” disappointed in its domestic opening back in November 2023, earning just $31.7 million during its five-day holiday opening window. Now, the film has just crossed its reported budget at the worldwide box office, affirming its spot on the long list of Disney losses at the 2023 box office.
‘Wish’ Hits $223 Million Worldwide
According to Box Office Mojo, the film currently sits at just over $223 million worldwide, and has grossed only $63 million domestically. It opened on November 22, 2023, in time for families celebrating Thanksgiving to hit the theater. Ultimately, the film didn’t land for audiences upon release, coming in well below its projected $45-$50 million five-day opening projection.
“Wish” reportedly had a budget of $200 million, per ScreenRant, and needed to make at least $400 million at the box office to be considered a financial success, in order to account for production, marketing, and cinema costs. Having only made ~$23 million in profit, it’s safe to call the film a box office failure.
In 2023, Disney also released “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” “Haunted Mansion,” and “The Marvels.” While “Quantumania” eventually doubled its budget and then some, the three releases that followed either barely crossed the line — or did not cross it at all, in the case of “Haunted Mansion” and “The Marvels.”
It is possible that a home release for “Wish,” as well as its eventual addition to Disney+ could boost the film’s numbers and help get it closer to the $400 million goal. However, mixed reviews have mired the film, and it was released in the immediate aftermath of the historic SAG-AFTRA strike in Hollywood, which affected promotion in the lead-up to release.
The film will be available to purchase digitally on January 23, 2024, and is set to release on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 12. A Disney+ streaming date for “Wish” has not yet been announced.
At the Disney Parks, “Wish” got a substantial promotional push, which included themed food and beverage offerings; merchandise collections; Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots; character meet and greets; and additions to nighttime entertainment, like a Spaceship Earth light show and a preshow for World of Color – Season of Light.
“Wish” follows Asha (Ariana DeBose), a young woman who makes a wish upon a star, changing the fate of her entire kingdom. The film also stars Chris Pine as King Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Valentino the talking goat. The film is meant to serve as a celebration of Disney’s 100-year history, hearkening back to the first Walt Disney Animation Studios films.
Did you see “Wish” during its theatrical run, or are you holding out for its Disney+ release? Let us know what you thought of the film in the comments.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.