Universal Studios Claims Animation Crown with ‘Migration,’ Setting Sights on Disney’s Former Throne

In a surprising turn of events, Universal Studios has dethroned Disney in the animation realm, and their latest release, “Migration,” aims to solidify their newfound dominance. The comic tale, which opened last Friday, follows a family of New England ducks on an unexpected journey from their pond to New York City, with Universal anticipating a domestic debut of $25 million.

While this falls short of the massive debuts seen by Illumination/Universal’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and the latest “Minions” film, it aligns with the performance of DreamWorks Animation’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” Industry analysts suggest that “Migration” will be better evaluated based on its long-term success rather than its opening weekend figures, considering its potential for solid word-of-mouth and positive reviews.

Disney, once the undisputed leader in animated features, has faced challenges in recent years, with their most recent film, “Wish,” failing to connect with audiences. The decision to prioritize streaming content over theatrical releases during the pandemic and a perceived shift in content focus have contributed to Disney’s struggles, with no animated feature surpassing $480 million at the global box office since 2019.

In contrast, Universal’s animation arms, Illumination and DreamWorks, have thrived. “Minions: The Rise of Gru” reached $942 million globally, and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” soared to over $1.3 billion in 2023. Industry experts credit Universal’s success to a focus on entertaining, simple, and family-friendly animated films, while Disney has faced criticism for potentially overcomplicating their recent animated features.

Universal’s strategy of revisiting popular franchises and characters, seen in films like “Minions” and “Trolls,” contrasts with Disney’s recent emphasis on original stories. The success of returning to familiar characters demonstrates the effectiveness of capturing the attention of both parents and kids, fostering confidence in the quality and safety of the content.

As “Migration” garners generally favorable reviews, Universal aims to extend its animation brand’s prestige. With upcoming releases like “Despicable Me 4,” Universal is well-positioned to challenge Disney and Pixar’s continued dominance in the animation landscape, signaling a shift in the industry dynamics.