Could 'Tomorrowland' Be The Biggest Disney Movie Failure Of All Time?

Roughly three weeks into its launch, Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS)'s "Tomorrowland" is on track to be the worst-performing movie in the company's history.

The movie has grossed just $171 million in box offices worldwide, compared to a cost of $330 million to produce and market the film. By the time it finishes in box offices, the Hollywood Reporter estimated that it will lose $120 to $140 million.

Not The Only Flop

That comes slightly shy of Disney's "The Lone Ranger," which caused a $190 million write-down two years ago.

Fortunately for Disney, however, the potential failure of "Tomorrowland" may be overshadowed by optimism for how "Star Wars: Episode VII" will perform in December. Some experts have estimated that the latest Star Wars movie will see box office receipts of as much as $2 billion.

Related Link: What Can Comcast Investors Expect From Jurassic World This Weekened?

Poor George

"Tomorrowland" also marks the second consecutive disappointment for actor George Clooney. His last movie, "The Monuments Men," also saw difficulty in the box office – earning just $155 million. Yet, that movie only cost $70 million to produce, giving it a net profit.

Disney Overall

Disney stock has performed quite well year-to-date, gaining nearly 17 percent compared to gains of 2.25 percent in the S&P 500. Disney stock has consistently outperformed on a longer time horizon as well, gaining 226 percent in a five-year period compared with gains of 98 percent in the broad index.

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