Disney Pulls Plug on 'Ella McCay' French Premiere

Disney’s fortunes have been a real mixed bag lately. While the studio is riding high with Zootopia 2 smashing box office records and becoming the year’s top-grossing Hollywood release, not every project has been a winner. Their latest political comedy, Ella McCay, starring Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis, hasn’t exactly set the world on fire. In fact, it’s turned out to be Disney’s least successful film of the year.

Originally, French audiences were set to catch Ella McCay in cinemas from 7 January. But in a move that’s left many scratching their heads, Disney has decided to call it quits on the French release altogether. The decision comes just days before the film was due to hit screens, leaving local punters and fans of the cast disappointed.

Box Office Highs and Lows

It’s been a year of extremes for Disney. On one hand, Zootopia 2 has been a runaway success, drawing crowds and raking in heaps at the box office. On the other, Ella McCay has struggled to find its footing, failing to attract much attention or positive buzz. The contrast between the two releases couldn’t be starker, and it’s clear which one the studio would rather talk about.

For those keen on political comedies or fans of Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis, the cancellation is a real letdown. The film’s poor performance elsewhere likely played a big part in Disney’s decision to pull the plug in France, rather than risk another flop.

Impact on Cast and Crew

The sudden change of plans has also thrown a spanner in the works for the film’s promotional efforts. Cast members and crew who were gearing up for the French premiere now find themselves with an empty calendar. It’s not the first time a studio has made a last-minute call like this, but it’s never a great look for those involved.

With the French release scrapped, it remains to be seen whether Ella McCay will find a second life elsewhere, or if it’ll quietly fade away as one of Disney’s rare missteps in an otherwise blockbuster year.