Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX)’s biggest problem, however, seems to be holding onto good talent. Since it lost Christopher Nolan as director, not even a reported $50 million could keep Christian Bale from turning down an upcoming Batman movie. He is to be replaced by Ben Afleck, whom is a controversial choice. This could present a serious problem down the line as fans like to see certain actors in certain roles, and that can hit the company at the box office.
In the case of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc (NASDAQ:FOXA), it has got a (albeit smaller) blockbuster lineup of its own to look forward to. In 2009, it broke the record set by Titanic for highest grossing movie with $2.7 billion in global revenue for Avatar. Now it is looking release two more sequels starting in 2016.
Then there is the question of the long-awaited and much talked about sequels to Independence Day, which the company is also rumored to be releasing, starting around 2016. It was the highest-grossing movie of 1996, pulling in over $800 million at the box office. But can it recapture that fire? It’s been over 19 years since the release and viewers may or may not take to it next time around. So far it has one sure-fire hit franchise, and another “possible” hit.
In comparison to The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)’s strong lineup and ability to keep talent, I can’t say either of these two companies would represent a better investment.
A surprising addition
I’ve got two words for you: Star Wars. That’s it. End of story (OK not quite). More like Lucasfilm, and all of its associated intellectual properties, including Indiana Jones, the entire Star Wars franchise, Lucasarts gaming studio, toys and licensing that The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) acquired in 2013.
I’m sure you’ve heard that George Lucas himself just announced the making of three new Star Wars sequels, the first starting in 2015. Not only that, but movie makers are almost certainly bringing back most of the old cast from the original trilogy. Disney has followed up one brilliant move with another and this news means possibly record-setting box office totals coming up in 2015 (when it is scheduled to also release Avengers 2!).
I can’t say enough good things about Disney. Simply put, Disney is a must-have stock. Buy it and hold onto it. Tightly. You’ll be glad you did.
The article Disney Is Poised to Make Some Huge Gains originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Marcus Tisdale.
Marcus Tisdale has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of Walt Disney.
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