Jon Watts, the acclaimed director behind the blockbuster ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, has signed a first-look feature deal with Walt Disney Co. (DIS). This agreement signifies that Disney will have the first opportunity to acquire any project developed by Watts and his production company, Freshman Year.
Watts and Freshman Year will focus on directing and producing films for Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. This strategic partnership allows Watts to explore a wide range of creative avenues across multiple genres, offering exciting possibilities for both Watts and Disney. Dianne McGunigle, Watts’ producing partner, will also be involved in these upcoming projects.
The deal comes as Disney continues to bolster its film portfolio. Recent successes, including the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy which grossed over $4 billion globally, highlight the appeal of superhero films. Watts has also ventured beyond the Marvel universe, directing ‘Wolf’, a project starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt for Apple TV+.
Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to dominate box office records. The recent release of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ in 2024 has already achieved significant success, earning $582.7 million domestically and $634.8 million internationally, bringing its global total to $1.22 billion.
Watts and McGunigle have a diverse portfolio of projects outside of the Marvel universe. Their previous work includes ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ for Warner Bros, a feature adaptation of the ‘Murder 101’ podcast for Amazon, and the Keith Schofield-directed ‘NSFL’.
DIS stock rose 0.97% to $94.49 on Thursday following the announcement of this exciting partnership.
