‘National Treasure 3’ Script Being Sent to Nicolas Cage

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+, Uncategorized

It seems hard to believe, but nearly 20 years ago, Disney introduced the world to Benjamin Gates, and they followed along in his journey to steal the Declaration of Independence (for a good reason of course). National Treasure starred Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates, Diane Kruger as Abigail Chase, Justin Bartha as Riley Poole, Harvey Keitel as Peter Sandusky, and Jon Voight as Patrick Gates. The movie was such a hit that, 3 years later, a sequel film — National Treasure: Book of Secrets — came out. Unfortunately, that film was not as successful as the first.

Book Of Secrets ended with a lead-in to a potential third film, but sadly, that film never came to pass. However, it looks like that may be about to change. According to National Treasure producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a third script is nearly complete and will be sent to Cage! Bruckheimer spoke to Comicbook.com and told them that they have a really great script and that he hopes Cage likes it.

“Let’s hope we’re working on the script right now. Hopefully [Cage] likes it, but it’s really good. So I think we’ll get it to him shortly,” Bruckheimer told us.

National Treasure

It was previously reported that Nic Cage had been on the outs with Disney for a while. Cage starred in several films that were unsuccessful, and said that Disney had stopped calling him. He was asked about a third National Treasure film, but he did not sound very hopeful.

This is not the only National Treasure project Disney has in the works. In March 2021, Disney greenlit a new National Treasure series for its streaming service, Disney+. The new series — called National Treasure: Edge of History — will see both Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel will return to reprise their roles as Riley Poole and Peter Sandusky. The series will also star Lisette Olivera as Jess Valenzuela and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Billie.

Although nothing is solidified yet, the creators of National Treasure: Edge of History are hopeful that Benjamin Gates makes an appearance in the series. Co-creator Marianne Wibberley said that they will do whatever it takes, including begging, to get Cage to appear on the show.

National Treasure: Edge of History does not yet have a premiere date, but is expected to be on Disney+ sometime in 2023.

Disney Downgrades Forecast For Disney+ Streaming Service

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

Disney+ is the streaming home of nearly all of Disney’s subsidiaries, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm/Star Wars, and Pixar Animation Studios.

Despite the success of Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and other Disney+ Original series and movies, the streaming platform still hasn’t officially reached profitability — though it is projected to in 2024.

Now, a new report in the print edition of the Wall Street Journal notes that Disney officially downgraded its growth forecast for Disney+ during a recent earnings update:

Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy on the company’s call with analysts Wednesday [August 10] ratched down its forecast for disney+, saying it now expects to sign up between 135 million and 165 million subscribers to its core Disney+ service, and up to 80 million to its lower-cost Asian streaming service, Disney+ Hotstar, for a total range of 215 million to 245 million subscribers by September 2024. 

disney plus presentation

WSJ noted that, although the company has now officially “lowered the bar” for growth, just a few months ago, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek said that the target of 230 million to 260 million subscribers by the same date was “very achievable.”

Although this new projection might not seem dramatically lower than the original one, a reduction of 15 million projected subscribers at the top end could actually have a significant financial impact.

This is particularly true with recent price increases for the Disney Bundle.

Disney to Significantly Increase Costs of Streaming Services

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

The Walt Disney Company just announced that its streaming services would soon see a price increase while also announcing a new ad-supported subscription tier launching later this year.

As Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) shared, Disney will increase the price of ad-free subscriptions to Disney+ to $10.99, about 38% more than its current price.

It was also announced that Disney would release an ad-supported subscription tier at a lower cost. This subscription will launch on December 8 and cost $7.99 a month.

This tier is expected to allow more homes to have access to the expansive content library offered by Disney+.

“Since its launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be part of Disney+ and not just because there’s a growing demand for more streaming inventory,” said Rita Ferro, President, Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “Disney+ with advertising will offer marketers the most premium environment in streaming with our most beloved brands, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. I can’t wait to share more with advertisers at the Upfront.”

Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, stated that this ad-based tier will include “lower ad load and frequency” at launch.

The streaming platform Hulu will see an increase as well. Ad-free monthly subscriptions will be increasing by $2 a month, from $12.99 to $14.99, effective October 10. The subscription to this platform with adds will increase by $1, going from $6.99 to $7.99 a month.

‘Dancing With the Stars’ Judge Addresses Show’s Controversial Move to Disney+

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

Back in April 2022, Disney made an announcement that shocked everyone — ABC’s hit show Dancing With the Stars will no longer air on ABC. Instead, Walt Disney Television is moving the show to its streaming platform, Disney+, for the show’s 31st season. The show will live stream on Disney+ and is believed to be the first show on any streaming platform to do that. The news was met with a lot of divided opinions. Some were excited to hear that one of their favorite shows would be moving to the same place they can stream other Disney content they love. Others were upset, as ABC is a part of pretty much any basic cable package, but Disney+ requires a subscription to be able to use it.

Dancing With the Stars first premiered on ABC in 2005 and featured a number of well-known ballroom dancers teaming up with some favorite celebrities. Three renowned ballroom experts would judge the dances each week — Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. Season 31 will see all three judges return, with the addition of DWTS alum Derek Hough. With all the controversy surrounding the show’s move, one of those judges is now speaking out.

Carrie Ann Inaba took to Facebook to address the move to Disney+, acknowledging that some viewers may be upset by the news.

Just reading all your comments yesterday. I am so grateful for the words of encourgement and the sharing of your own journeys. It helps others to know that we are all going through unique journeys… and we all have challenges in our lives.

I’m heartbroken to hear so many people saying they won’t be joining us on dwts this season. We’ve always been a family for so long…All of us, the dancers, the hosts, the judges, the production team, the creatives and hair and make up and stylists and lighting and set design…. And YOU.

I hope you will be able to stay connected to us.

I will be posting lots of content from my socials so I hope that will help you stay connected.

Family is forever.

#dwts

Season 31 of Dancing With the Stars will premiere on Disney+ on September 19. It will continue to be produced by BBC Studios, the same production company that worked on the series when it was ABC. No casting information has been shared at this time, so we don’t know which stars will be in this season. Tyra Banks will return as host for Season 31, and she will be joined by America’s Funniest Home Videos host and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro. Banks replaced hosts Tom Bergeron — who had been there since the beginning — and Erin Andrews in Season 30.

David Krumholtz Is Returning For New Disney+ Series

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Back in January 2022, Disney announced that it would be creating a new series based on the hit film franchise, The Santa Clause. At the time the announcement was made, no real details were given. However, we now know that Tim Allen will be returning to reprise his role as Scott Calvin, AKA Santa Claus, and Elizabeth Mitchell will return as Scott’s wife Carol, AKA Mrs. Claus. We also learned that Kal Penn will be playing a video game designer and single father named Simon, Elizabeth Allen Dick (Allen’s real-life daughter) will be playing Scott and Carol’s daughter Sandra, and Austin Kane will play their son Cal.

Now we have just found out some fantastic and exciting casting news. David Krumholtz will return to play the cantankerous, but caring, head-elf Bernard. Krumholtz appeared in both The Santa Clause and The Santa Clause 2, but was not in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause and his character was replaced by another lead elf named Curtis, played by Spencer Breslin. Krumholtz had been in the news recently, blasting Johnny Depp during Depp’s defamation suit against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

Deadline was one of the first to report on the news, as well as more information on the new series, which will be called The Santa Clauses:

In the Disney+ series, Scott is on the brink of his 65th birthday and realizing that he can’t be Santa forever. He’s suddenly starting to lose his Santa magic, and more importantly, he’s got a family who could benefit from a life in the normal world, especially his two kids who have grown up at the North Pole. With a lot of elves, children, and family to please, Scott sets out to find a suitable replacement Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in a life south of the pole.

The series also stars Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra, Devin Bright as Noel, Austin Kane as Cal, Matilda Lawler as Betty, Rupali Redd as Grace and Kal Penn as Simon Choski.

Emmy winner Jack Burditt (30 Rock, Modern Family, Frasier, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) is the executive producer and showrunner. In addition to his starring role, Allen will also executive produce along with Kevin Hench (Last Man Standing), Richard Baker and Rick Messina, and Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company.

At this time, there is no premiere date for The Santa Clauses, but we are hoping that it will come out sometime during this holiday season. Disney Dining will let readers know when a release date is finally announced.