LOS ANGELES, Aug 7, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Disney is rebooting “Home Alone” and
“Night at the Museum” for its new TV streaming service, which launches in the
US in November and is intended to rival Netflix.
The beloved and high-grossing film franchises were acquired by Disney
during its takeover of 21st Century Fox.
Chief executive Bob Iger said Disney was “focused on leveraging Fox’s vast
library of great titles… for example reimagining ‘Home Alone,’ ‘Night at
the Museum,’ ‘Cheaper by the Dozen,’ and ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ for a new
generation on Disney+.”
“Nothing is more important to us than getting this right,” he added in an
earnings call Tuesday.
He did not clarify whether the new versions would be feature films or
television programs.
The three “Home Alone” films that received theatrical releases together
grossed $914.8 million at the global box office, not adjusted for inflation.
The 1990 original, in which eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is
accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation and must defend his
home from inept burglars, is widely seen as a classic Christmas family movie.
No casting details have been announced for the remake. Macaulay Culkin,
who as a child actor starred in the original, tweeted Wednesday: “Hey
@Disney, call me!”
Ben Stiller’s “Night at the Museum” trilogy, about a museum security guard
trying to keep track of exhibits that come to life, has grossed over $1.35
billion worldwide.
Both movie franchises will be part of the Disney+ service’s original
content in a crowded TV streaming marketplace soon to feature HBO Max, Apple
and NBCUniversal platforms as well as Amazon Prime.
Disney also owns Marvel Studios, which recently unveiled a slate of new
superhero films and TV shows that will share characters and plotlines,
blurring the line between the media.
Former Fox superhero movie franchises including “X-Men,” “Fantastic 4” and
“Deadpool” will now come under the Marvel umbrella, Iger said, adding that
parent company Disney sees “great long-term value” in the titles. After
launching in the US on November 12 at a starting price of $6.99 monthly,
Disney+ will gradually expand internationally with a start in Europe.
It will launch with 300 movies including its “Star Wars,” Pixar and Marvel
titles.