Making a Movie Franchise

Disney Says Cars Has Legs

Skid marks aside, the way to tell if a movie will be a trend setter is to watch the merchandising. Bob Iger, Disney CEO, says Cars is selling more merchandise now than five years ago when it was released. Because of that fact, Disney will spend more time and money to keep the profitable franchise moving along on all eight cylinders.

Implications - Although the movie is older now, Disney will create new Cars-themed items that they believe will fly off the shelves just like all the others. Bob Iger also says that if Disney makes a sequel to Cars, the sales may be even better. With a Cars theme park on the way, this may be the most profitable Disney movie ever!

Movie Franchise Merchandising
Opportunities for creating profitable merchandise are key indicators of successful movie franchises.
Sequels as Profitable Franchise Extensions
Creating a sequel can boost merchandise sales for already successful movie franchises.
Theme Park Franchises
Movie franchises can be leveraged for theme park opportunities, which can result in greater profits.

Industries Being Reshaped

Entertainment
Entertainment companies can capitalize on successful movie franchises by creating profitable merchandise and theme park opportunities.
Retail
Retail companies can profit from successful movie franchises by creating and selling merchandise related to the franchise.
Tourism
Tourism companies can create themed attractions based on successful movie franchises and profit from it.
SCORE
1.6 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 7%
Activity 34%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X