Entertainment Highlights of 2025

Key Takeaways

• The most popular entertainment pieces of 2025 capture the year’s trends and shifts in the industry.
• The MCU’s future is exciting, with "Thunderbolts" renewing interest in the franchise.
• Disney+ TV shows are experiencing diminishing returns, with some being canceled or failing to chart on streaming rankings.
• Remakes are not stimulating Disney IP, and the company may need to reevaluate its strategy.
• The movie business needs new franchises to support its future, with original stories like "Sinners" showing promise.
• The comic book industry is seeing a trend of releases timed to coincide with movie releases, but these series often lack long-term creative vision.
• Animated family movies are performing well, but Hollywood’s investment in kids’ content is slowing.
• The Avatar franchise is on track to become one of the biggest movie franchises of all time, with "Fire and Ash" expected to perform well.
• Marvel’s armor is showing cracks, with audiences becoming more selective about what they consume.

Introduction to 2025’s Most Popular Pieces
The year 2025 has been an exciting time for the entertainment industry, with various trends and shifts emerging. Instead of a typical reflection piece, this article highlights the most popular pieces of the year, excluding listicles. These pieces capture the year in entertainment fairly well and provide insight into the current state of the industry. From the MCU’s future to the decline of Disney+ TV shows, and from remakes to original stories, these articles offer a comprehensive look at the entertainment landscape.

The Future of the MCU
The article starts with a discussion on "Thunderbolts," a Disney/Marvel Studios production that has renewed interest in the future of the MCU. The author, a self-proclaimed comic nerd, is excited about the possibilities that this movie presents. With the MCU’s expanding universe, fans are eager to see what’s next, and "Thunderbolts" seems to be a promising addition to the franchise. The author’s enthusiasm is palpable, and it’s clear that this movie has sparked a new wave of interest in the MCU.

The Decline of Disney+ TV Shows
In contrast, Disney+ TV shows are experiencing diminishing returns, with some being canceled or failing to chart on streaming rankings. The author notes that this is a result of running a franchise into the ground, with too many shows being produced without a clear vision or strategy. The example of "The Acolyte" being quickly canceled and "Skeleton Crew" failing to gain traction is a testament to this trend. It’s clear that Disney needs to reevaluate its approach to TV shows and focus on quality over quantity.

The Problem with Remakes
The article also touches on the issue of remakes, which the author believes serve no purpose in stimulating Disney IP. These remakes do nothing for the Disney brand beyond reminding people that the original, often better, versions exist. The example of "Snow White" is cited, highlighting the lack of creativity and originality in these remakes. The author argues that Disney should focus on creating new and innovative content rather than relying on rehashing old ideas.

The Need for New Franchises
The movie business is in desperate need of new franchises to support its future, as the old guard, including the MCU, begins to show signs of fatigue. The author notes that audiences have shown an appetite for fresh stories on the big screen post-pandemic, and original stories like "Sinners" are starting to gain traction. This shift towards new and original content is a promising trend, and it will be interesting to see how the industry responds to this demand.

The Comic Book Industry
The comic book industry is also experiencing a trend of releases timed to coincide with movie releases. However, these series often lack long-term creative vision and are instead focused on cashing in on the movie’s success. The author notes that this approach is not new, but it seems more prevalent in recent years. The example of "Batman/Deadpool" is cited, highlighting the lack of creativity and originality in these comic book series.

The Success of Animated Family Movies
Animated family movies are performing well, with "Inside Out 2" and "Moana" being top movies at the box office and on streaming in 2024. However, despite this success, Hollywood’s investment in kids’ content is slowing. The author notes that this is a surprising trend, given the popularity of these movies. The example of "Dog Man" is cited, highlighting the potential for animated family movies to succeed in the market.

The Avatar Franchise
The Avatar franchise is on track to become one of the biggest movie franchises of all time, with "Fire and Ash" expected to perform well. The author notes that this is a remarkable achievement, given that the franchise has only had two movies so far. The success of the Avatar franchise is a testament to the power of original storytelling and the demand for new and innovative content.

The Future of the Entertainment Industry
Finally, the article concludes by noting that the entertainment industry is undergoing significant changes. With the rise of new franchises and the decline of old ones, the industry is shifting towards more original and innovative content. The author notes that this is a promising trend, and it will be interesting to see how the industry responds to this demand. From the MCU’s future to the success of animated family movies, the entertainment industry is poised for an exciting and unpredictable future.