IT'S OFFICIAL THE ACOLYTE FIRINGS JUST HAPPENED AFTER EPISODE 8! A NIGHTMARE FOR DISNEY

Summary

The video discusses the alleged failure of the 'Acolyte' series, a Star Wars project by Lucasfilm, which is said to have cost over $180 million, equating to approximately $22.54 million per episode. The series is criticized for its finale, which included unexpected character appearances, leading to a perceived incompetence in storytelling. The video suggests a severe shakeup within Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Company, with mass firings of employees, including the marketing team and CGI artists, as a result of the series' poor viewership and Bob Iger's cost containment measures. The situation has sparked controversy and internal disputes, with Kathleen Kennedy's future at Lucasfilm being a topic of debate.

Takeaways

• 📺 The Acolyte series finale was considered a failure on multiple levels, leading to the inclusion of characters like Darth Plagas and Yoda in an attempt to salvage it.
• 💰 The production cost of the Acolyte series is estimated to be over $180 million, which equates to approximately $22.54 million per episode, possibly reaching closer to $200 million with additional expenses.
• 🛑 Due to the series' failure, there is a significant shakeup happening within the Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm, with Bob Iger and the board of directors taking measures to address the backlash from fans.
• 🔥 The Acolyte's poor performance has resulted in the firing of the marketing team and other employees involved in the series, including minor cast members and CGI artists, as part of cost-cutting measures.
• 😤 Kathleen Kennedy and the Lucasfilm story group are reportedly upset with the situation and are trying to prevent further layoffs, but their efforts have been unsuccessful.
• 📉 The Neelon ratings report revealed a 75% decline in viewership for the Acolyte, contradicting previous media claims about its viewership.
• 🎟️ Many people may not even be aware they have a Disney+ subscription due to it being bundled with other services, which could affect viewership numbers.
• 💼 Bob Iger is planning to use the marketing team as a scapegoat for the Acolyte's failure and will make a statement about the viewership decline in August.
• 📉 Disney is planning massive layoffs and cutbacks not only at Lucasfilm but also at Marvel Studios and Pixar, despite recent successes.
• 🤔 There is debate among the Disney board of directors about whether Kathleen Kennedy should renew her contract, with some wanting her to stay until 2027 to complete her vision for Star Wars.
• 🎬 Kennedy aims to leave a legacy at Lucasfilm with projects like the Mando movie, The Ray movie, and a Jedi Prime film set 25,000 years before The Phantom Menace, but delays and setbacks may impact these plans.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed is the failure of the 'Acolyte' series, its impact on Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Company, and the subsequent measures taken, including layoffs and cost-cutting.

What is the estimated cost of the 'Acolyte' series failure?

The estimated cost of the 'Acolyte' series failure is over $180 million, potentially approaching $200 million when including marketing and other expenses.

What role did the character Yoda play in the finale of 'Acolyte', and how did it affect the series?

Yoda's inclusion in the finale of 'Acolyte' was seen as a negative move, making Yoda appear incompetent or involved in a cover-up, which contributed to the series' failure.

What is the current situation regarding the Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm?

There is a severe shakeup happening between the Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm due to the failure of the 'Acolyte' series, with intense backlash from fans and internal issues leading to emergency meetings and potential layoffs.

Who is being held responsible for the 'Acolyte' viewership decline?

The marketing team for 'Acolyte' is being held responsible for the viewership decline and is facing layoffs as a result.

What is the reported viewership decline for the 'Acolyte' series?

The reported viewership decline for the 'Acolyte' series is 75%, based on the recent Neelon ratings report.

What is Bob Iger's plan regarding the future of Lucasfilm?

Bob Iger plans to make upcoming Star Wars shows smaller-scale to reduce costs, and is preparing to lay off employees in various departments as part of a cost containment plan.

What is the stance of the board of directors regarding Kathleen Kennedy's contract?

There is a division among the board members; some are calling for Kathleen Kennedy's contract not to be renewed, while the majority are calling for her to stay until 2027.

What are the implications of the 'Acolyte' failure on other divisions within the Walt Disney Company?

The failure of the 'Acolyte' has led to massive cutbacks not only at Lucasfilm but also at Marvel Studios and Pixar, despite some recent successes.

What is the future outlook for Kathleen Kennedy at Lucasfilm?

Kathleen Kennedy wishes to renew her contract and stay at Lucasfilm until 2027 to establish her legacy with successful Star Wars movies, but the delays and setbacks may affect the release of these projects.