Disney Reportedly to Spend $5 Bln in Europe, UK on New Blockbusters

FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Times Square Disney store is seen in Times Square, New York City, US December 5, 2019.  REUTERS/Nick Pfosi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Times Square Disney store is seen in Times Square, New York City, US December 5, 2019. REUTERS/Nick Pfosi/File Photo
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Disney Reportedly to Spend $5 Bln in Europe, UK on New Blockbusters

FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Times Square Disney store is seen in Times Square, New York City, US December 5, 2019.  REUTERS/Nick Pfosi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Times Square Disney store is seen in Times Square, New York City, US December 5, 2019. REUTERS/Nick Pfosi/File Photo

Disney plans to spend at least $5 billion in the UK and continental Europe over the next five years to produce blockbuster movies and TV shows, Jan Koeppen, its president across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, told Financial Times on Friday.

The company will commit about $1 billion a year in the region over the next five years across films, Disney+, National Geographic and other TV productions, Koeppen told FT.

Disney's plans could build on the recent success of films like "Inside Out 2" and the company's television business.

"Inside Out 2" notched $1.6 billion in global ticket sales and "Deadpool & Wolverine," which debuted in the current quarter, has brought in more than $850 million.

"We feel like we're really on a roll again with movies, which is fantastic,” Koeppen told FT.

Disney didn't immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment
Koeppen's comments follow Disney forecasting a 'moderation in demand' at its theme park business in coming quarters, pulling shares down 1.1% on Wednesday.

Koeppen leads Disney's EMEA business commercially and operationally in over 130 markets across the region, according to the company's website. His responsibilities include handling Disney+, motion pictures, television, content licensing and local original productions, the website showed.



Manga Productions Showcases Saudi Innovation at Anime Japan 2025

Over four days, the Manga Productions team engaged with visitors during both public and business sessions. (SPA)
Over four days, the Manga Productions team engaged with visitors during both public and business sessions. (SPA)
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Manga Productions Showcases Saudi Innovation at Anime Japan 2025

Over four days, the Manga Productions team engaged with visitors during both public and business sessions. (SPA)
Over four days, the Manga Productions team engaged with visitors during both public and business sessions. (SPA)

Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), concluded its participation in Anime Japan 2025, one of the world's most prestigious anime exhibitions.

Manga Productions sponsored the global event for the first time, reinforcing its commitment to establishing Saudi Arabia’s presence in the anime industry. Held at Tokyo Big Sight, the exhibition attracted more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 participating companies worldwide.

Manga Productions chief executive Dr. Essam Bukhari expressed pride in the company's participation and gratitude for the enthusiastic reception from Japanese and international audiences.

Sponsoring such a significant event is a strategic step in fostering partnerships for co-production, distribution, and content licensing, he added.

He also highlighted how Saudi Arabia's economic growth and development are opening doors for deeper collaboration with Japanese and international companies, further cementing the Kingdom's status as a global hub for creativity in the entertainment sector.

Bukhari noted that participation in Anime Japan 2025 boosts Saudi Arabia’s global image, showcasing the Kingdom’s creative identity on a prestigious international platform. It also strengthens connections with audiences and media partners while promoting innovative Saudi content.

Over four days, the Manga Productions team engaged with visitors during both public and business sessions. The company offered an immersive cultural experience, allowing attendees to explore Saudi creativity through traditional clothing displays, cultural activities, and Saudi coffee tastings.

Manga Productions remains dedicated to solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in the entertainment industry, bringing the latest Japanese entertainment innovations to the Saudi market. This aligns with the Kingdom’s vision for developing the creative content industry, positioning it as a global entertainment hub.