From CNBC:

The theatrical industry’s annual box-office hauls are being weighed down by the pandemic, streaming push, and labor strikes. Wall Street does not expect ticket sales to exceed $10 billion in the US until 2026, and Disney is projected to be a driving force in meeting this benchmark with a franchise-heavy 2025 movie slate.

Upcoming blockbuster releases including Avatar and Star Wars films could contribute to a box-office haul surpassing $10 billion in 2026. Historically, these franchises have raked in hundreds of millions at the domestic box office, with some films generating close to $1 billion in ticket sales.

Industry analysts are confident in the potential for moviegoers to return to cinemas with the release of major titles from Disney and other studios. The pandemic shutdowns and production delays have led to a slow return in audience attendance, but premium event films are driving up ticket sales.

There is optimism that the theatrical box office will exceed $10 billion again in 2026, but it remains uncertain if it will happen in 2025, especially due to ongoing labor strikes in Hollywood and potential shifts in film release dates. Disney’s CEO has stated the company will be more selective in developing film franchises, and its 2026 movie slate may be subject to changes.



Read more: Domestic box office could top $10 billion in 2026, thanks to Disney