Disney insiders believe ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ can still clear the USD 1 billion mark despite losing IMAX exclusivity at release. The film is set to open on December 18, 2026, and is among the most anticipated films of that year.

Chris Evans, who will reprise his role as Steve Rogers, stated, “I start work on the next one in a couple of months, so I’m in the next one.” This return has generated excitement among fans, especially following the monumental success of previous Avengers films.

Avengers: Endgame currently holds the title of the second-highest-grossing film of all time, with a global haul of $2.799 billion, while Avengers: Infinity War ranks seventh with a worldwide total of $2.052 billion. Given this backdrop, the expectations for Avengers: Doomsday are understandably high.

However, the film faces a unique challenge as it will be the first Avengers installment to open without IMAX screenings. Dune: Part Three has secured IMAX exclusivity for its release on the same day, which could impact Avengers: Doomsday’s box office performance.

Despite this setback, Disney aims for Avengers: Doomsday to achieve box office earnings in the range of $1.5 billion to $2 billion if reception is strong. Analysts suggest that the absence of IMAX may lead to a 10 percent reduction in overall box office earnings.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how this will affect the film’s trajectory. The actual box office performance will only become clear after its release, and it remains uncertain if Avengers: Doomsday can surpass the earnings of its predecessors.

As the release date approaches, fans and industry experts alike are keen to see how the film will perform in a competitive market. The return of beloved characters and the anticipation surrounding the storyline are expected to draw significant audiences.

With the Russo Brothers at the helm, the film promises to deliver the action and narrative depth that fans have come to expect from the franchise. The excitement surrounding Avengers: Doomsday continues to build as the countdown to its release begins.

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The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special was held on March 24, 2026, at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating two decades since the show’s premiere.

Miley Cyrus, who starred as the titular character, performed popular songs from the series, including a new track titled “Younger You.” The event also featured a surprise appearance by Selena Gomez, who guest-starred in Season 2 of the show.

Hannah Montana originally premiered in March 2006 on the Disney Channel and ran for four seasons until its conclusion in 2011. The series introduced a generation of tweens and their parents to the fictional popstar, who went on to sell over 20 million records worldwide.

During the special, Cyrus expressed gratitude to Disney for taking a chance on her when she was cast in the role. She remarked, “Girl, I’m already tired,” highlighting the emotional weight of the occasion.

In addition to the performances, the anniversary special served as a retrospective look at the cultural influence of Hannah Montana, which remains a significant part of pop culture.

Ayo Davis, a key figure in the event, stated, “You can be bold. You can be silly. You can be competent and unsure of all your acts at the same time,” emphasizing the show’s impact on self-expression.

The premiere event saw fans dressed as characters from the show, showcasing the lasting affection for the series. Cyrus’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, who played her dad on the show, also attended the celebration.

Miley Cyrus has released nine studio albums and has won three Grammy Awards, including two for her single “Flowers.” Her earlier hit “Party in the U.S.A.” was certified 16-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

As the night unfolded, Cyrus reflected, “Tonight isn’t about looking back into the past, but it’s about what it means to us, still, tonight,” capturing the essence of the celebration.

The event was marked by a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the show’s legacy, with many attendees sharing their own memories of growing up with Hannah Montana.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future projects related to the franchise, but the anniversary special has reignited interest in the beloved series.

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OpenAI has announced the discontinuation of its AI video generator, Sora, just three months after signing a licensing deal with Disney. Launched publicly in late 2024, Sora reached one million downloads within five days of its release, showcasing its rapid popularity among users.

The app allowed users to create hyper-realistic AI videos, including content featuring over 200 licensed Disney characters. However, it faced significant criticism for generating violent and racist videos, deepfakes, and misinformation, which raised ethical concerns about its use.

In a statement, OpenAI expressed gratitude to the community, saying, “We’re saying goodbye to the Sora app. To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built a community around it: thank you. What you made with Sora mattered, and we know this news is disappointing.” This decision reflects a shift in OpenAI’s business priorities, as the company continues to navigate the evolving landscape of AI technology.

Disney, which had invested $1 billion in OpenAI, is also exiting its partnership following the closure of Sora. A spokesperson for the Walt Disney Company commented, “As the nascent AI field advances rapidly, we respect OpenAI’s decision to exit the video generation business and shift its priorities elsewhere.” This partnership aimed to integrate Sora’s technology into Disney+ but has now been rendered moot.

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, indicated that the technology behind Sora requires significant computing power and electricity, which may have contributed to the decision to discontinue the app. The company has stated that it will provide further details on the timeline for shutting down Sora and how users can save their videos.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, observers are left to consider what this means for future collaborations between tech companies and entertainment giants. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific timeline for the app’s closure and the preservation of user-generated content.

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