Disney’s 20th Century Snags Scorsese Film

Hollywood’s Fiercest Bidding War

Martin Scorsese’s next crime thriller sparked a Hollywood bidding war unlike any other. Netflix, Disney’s 20th Century, Apple, Amazon, and Warner Bros. all fought relentlessly for the rights.

The battle was intense, with industry giants making aggressive offers. In a stunning twist, Disney’s 20th Century emerged victorious, leaving Netflix in the dust.

Netflix’s Strong Push

Netflix came in with guns blazing, hoping to secure another Scorsese project. After funding projects like The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon, they seemed like the obvious winner.

The streamer has spent years backing high-profile directors for prestige films. But this time, they were outmatched by a surprising contender.

Disney’s Unexpected Power Move

Few expected Disney to throw down big money for a hard-hitting crime saga. Known for family-friendly blockbusters, the studio rarely prioritizes gritty, adult dramas.

But under the 20th Century Studios banner, they’re making a bold statement. Winning this bid proves they’re ready to take on streaming giants in all genres.

The $200M Price Tag

With Scorsese’s name attached, this film was never going to be cheap. His sprawling, epic storytelling demands a high budget, and this project is no different.

Netflix was comfortable with the cost, but Disney ultimately saw more value. The price tag alone shows how much Hollywood still values theatrical prestige.

A Shift in Hollywood Power

For years, Netflix has dominated by backing auteur-driven films. From Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma to David Fincher’s MANK, they’ve built a reputation for funding bold, visionary cinema.

But Disney’s shocking win signals that traditional studios aren’t backing down. The streaming giant’s influence may be strong, but legacy Hollywood still holds undeniable weight.

A Crime Saga in Hawaii

Set in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Scorsese’s latest film explores the brutal rise of an aspiring mob boss in Hawaii. Dwayne Johnson is set to lead as he battles rival crime factions for power.

The story dives deep into the island’s underworld, blending tropical beauty with gritty violence. Vanity Fair journalist and documentary filmmaker Nick Bilton has been tapped to write the screenplay, adding a fresh perspective to the crime epic.

Netflix’s Reputation at Stake

Losing out on this project stings for Netflix, which prides itself on securing high-profile filmmakers. They’ve invested billions into movies meant to dominate awards season.

Letting this one slip away weakens their grip on Hollywood’s top-tier talent. If they want to stay in the game, they’ll need to bounce back fast.

Disney’s Uncharted Territory

Despite its win, Disney is stepping into unfamiliar territory with this massive deal. They typically focus on massive franchise hits, not gritty crime dramas.

However, 20th Century Studios has a strong history of handling mature, high-stakes films. If done right, this could be a major success that broadens Disney’s portfolio significantly.

A Theatrical Comeback

Unlike Netflix, which often prioritizes streaming, Disney’s victory suggests a bigger theatrical push. With theaters making a post-pandemic comeback, major studios are betting on box office success.

Scorsese’s films thrive on the big screen, making Disney’s approach strategic. This could be a sign of a larger shift back to traditional moviegoing.

Why Scorsese Chose Disney

While money played a big role in the bidding war, insiders say Disney also offered a better creative deal. 20th Century Studios allows more freedom while ensuring theatrical distribution.

Scorsese wants his films to be experienced in theaters first, not just on streaming. That likely sealed the deal over Netflix’s more digital-first approach.

The Future of Big-Budget Films

Deals like this prove that studios are still willing to spend big on visionary filmmakers. While superhero blockbusters dominate the box office, there’s still demand for high-quality, prestige dramas.

Disney’s bold investment shows that adult-oriented cinema isn’t dead. If this film succeeds, it could inspire more studios to take risks on ambitious projects.

Scheduling Conflicts Could Delay Production

The script for Scorsese’s crime thriller is still unfinished, adding uncertainty to the timeline. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio, a key player in the project, has a packed schedule.

He’s set to film Damien Chazelle’s next movie this summer and promote Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another in September.

What’s Next on Scorsese’s Slate?

With Devil in the White City and Sinatra off the table, Scorsese’s next move remains uncertain. Both projects were expected to star Leonardo DiCaprio, but his packed schedule has put them on hold.

Instead, insiders believe Scorsese might pivot to a smaller-scale film. His adaptation of Marilynne Robinson’s Home is still a strong contender to shoot this year.

What’s Next for Netflix?

Netflix isn’t backing down despite losing this high-profile bidding war. The company remains a powerhouse, working with top-tier directors and developing other major films.

However, missing out on a Scorsese project is a significant blow. To maintain its edge, Netflix must lock in another game-changing film soon.

A Major Win for Disney

Winning this project solidifies Disney’s standing beyond just Marvel and Star Wars. It shows they’re willing to take risks and expand into different genres.

If this film is a hit, it could lead to more adult-focused movies from 20th Century Studios. This could be the start of a new era for Disney.

Meanwhile, Disney’s pride roars on—Mufasa: The Lion King hits Disney+ on March 26.

The Game Has Changed

The battle for Scorsese’s film proves Hollywood is evolving. Streaming giants don’t always win, and traditional studios still have plenty of power.

With Disney backing one of the biggest directors of all time, the industry is watching closely. No matter what happens, one thing’s for sure, this movie is going to be huge.

Justin Timberlake brought the spotlight to Scorsese in a powerful tribute at his Madison Square Garden concert, see the moment everyone’s talking about.

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