August 1998 (Revised October 1998)
Case
HBS Case Collection

Disney's "The Lion King" (A): The $2 Billion Movie

By: Jeffrey F. Rayport, Carin-Isabel Knoop and Cate Reavis

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:20

Abstract

In 1994, just 10 years after its filmed entertainment division lost $33 million, Disney's animated creation "The Lion King" became the second highest grossing film ever. In addition to drawing $740 million in worldwide box office sales, its merchandise sales exceeded $1.5 billion. This case describes Disney CEO Michael Eisner's strategy in rebuilding the filmed entertainment division, the making of "The Lion King," and the design and execution of a mini-Lion King retail industry. Along with the movie's achievements, Disney was experiencing internal chaos.

Keywords

Value Creation; Marketing Strategy; Expansion; Creativity; Film Entertainment; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Organizational Structure; Product Development; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Retail Industry

Citation

Rayport, Jeffrey F., Carin-Isabel Knoop, and Cate Reavis. Disney's "The Lion King" (A): The $2 Billion Movie. Harvard Business School Case 899-041, August 1998. (Revised October 1998.)