What Disney can learn from the success of the new Minecraft movie

Who knew? The Minecraft movie has taken the box office by storm, and now Disney's taking notes. Minecraft’s success shows that embracing fan culture and fresh storytelling can pay off. James Faris from Business Insider breaks down why Disney might need to rethink its game-to-movie playbook.

As Bob Iger’s 2026 exit approaches, some Disney insiders are floating Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos as a dream successor. Matthew Belloni for Puck reports that while the cultural and strategic gap between the two companies is vast, Sarandos represents the kind of bold, external leadership some board members may be seeking.

Microsoft is going all in on Minecraft—and not just as a game. The beloved title, which has sold more copies than any other game, is about to hit the big screen with Jason Momoa in a live-action movie set for 2025. Scott Mendelson for Puck explains that Microsoft sees Minecraft as the next huge media franchise, hoping it’ll be the next LEGO, but with a blocky twist.

"Minecraft" is still on top and doing wonders for producers Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy. Thanks to the game’s huge success, they’re making big moves with the upcoming film adaptation. Mia Galuppo and Borys Kit from The Hollywood Reporter dive into how this project is shaping their next steps in Hollywood.

Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger are stepping up their restrictions on teens, aiming to improve privacy and safety. The updates include limiting ads for certain products and cutting down on sensitive content visibility for users under 18. Jess Weatherbed from The Verge shares that these moves are part of a bigger push to protect young people online.

Duolingo has made waves online with its quirky green owl, Duo, especially on TikTok. This playful approach has helped grow both its user base and revenue. Adweek's Rebecca Stewart dives into how humor and fan interaction have been key to Duolingo’s rise.

Y2K fashion is making a serious comeback, and brands like Baby Phat, Ed Hardy, and Von Dutch are jumping back into the scene with fresh collections. These nostalgic labels are tapping into that vintage vibe, but with a modern twist to capture a whole new audience. Sheena Butler-Young covers the trend in The Business of Fashion, showing how these brands are blending retro style with today’s luxury.

Looks like creators are finally getting the boardroom attention they deserve. Brands are realizing that influencers and content creators are vital to long-term growth and customer loyalty. Fast Company’s Neil Waller breaks down how companies are bringing creators in as partners to help drive innovation and not just as quick marketing fixes.

Marketers are bringing mascots back to help brands stand out and connect with consumers. Kimeko McCoy for Digiday highlights how mascots like Domino’s Mac Scott and Cava’s Peter Chip use humor and nostalgia to build recognition. These figures aren’t pushing sales directly but help create emotional connections.

Trump’s tariffs are turning up the heat between the U.S. and China, and Hollywood films might get caught in the crossfire. The ongoing trade war is already affecting the entertainment industry, with movies being used as a bargaining chip. According to Variety, a potential ban on Hollywood films could seriously hurt box office numbers in China.