Marketplace All-in-One Can Hollywood make a comeback?
10 snips
Mar 13, 2026 
Ben Fritz, Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter and author, breaks down today's film business. He talks box-office winners and why family franchises rule. He explains merger worries for studio workers and what might actually revive theaters. He also touches on Gen Z viewing habits, subtitles, and the value of the communal theater experience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ben's Corn Milk Taste Test
- Ben Fritz tried corn milk before Oscar parties and described its taste.
- He called it like milk with a corn aftertaste and said he'd use it on cereal.
Family Franchises Drive Box Office Leaders
- Family and franchise films dominate global box office returns.
- Ben Fritz notes Nezha 2 led worldwide grosses, Zootopia 2 was the top Hollywood earner, and Minecraft topped U.S. ticket sales.
Nostalgia Expands Family Movie Audiences
- Broad appeal explains franchise strength: films that welcome kids plus nostalgic adults expand the audience.
- Ben Fritz highlights adults revisiting Minecraft or Zootopia alongside families as a major revenue factor.