'Lightyear' Finally Hit Disney Plus. Here's Why It Took 6 Weeks to Get There

ForMarvel’sEternals, it was two.

West Side Story hit Disney Plus about three months after it played exclusively in cinemas.

The last time Disney moved an animated film from cinemas to streaming, it became a phenomenon.

But family films, Pixar’s specialty, struggled with theater attendance.

A bust or a thrust?

In the months leading up to Lightyear’s release, moviegoers were flocking to franchise films.

But so far, Lightyear’s box-office take has been underwhelming.

Worldwide, Lightyear has grossed $222 million.

And it’s not like all family-friendly movies are struggling.

During Encanto’s theatrical exclusive, its box office performance was mediocre.

The film’s total domestic ticket grosses were just $86 million in that period.

But once Encanto started streaming, it evolved into a phenomenon.

The Encanto soundtrack climbedBillboard’s music charts to hit No.

Videos of its musical numbers areamong the most popular songs on YouTube.

We Don’t Talk About Bruno, the best-known song from the movie, became aTikTok meme.

But none of that happened until Encanto hit Disney Plus.

When Lightyear hits Disney Plus, it may get the rocket boost it’s needed all along.