
Marvel Stars Rally for Boycott: Are Disney’s Subscription Services in Trouble?
2025-09-20
Author: Jia
A Wave of Protest Hits Disney
The internet is ablaze with users posting screenshots of their canceled Disney subscriptions and vacation plans, igniting a fierce backlash against the entertainment giant. Protests have erupted outside Disney's headquarters in Burbank, California, as Disney+ and Hulu users flood social media with their grievances.
Hollywood Joins the Fight
In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood celebrities have stepped up to support Jimmy Kimmel, expressing dismay over Disney's decision to suspend his show indefinitely due to mounting pressure from the FCC.
Among the most vocal were stars associated with Marvel projects. Tatiana Maslany, best known for her role in 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law', took to Instagram, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo with a bold message urging fans to 'cancel your @disneyplus @hulu @espn subscriptions!'
Marisa Tomei, who portrayed Aunt May in Spider-Man films as well as Avengers entries, echoed this sentiment by reposting calls to 'unsubscribe and boycott' Disney platforms. The support for Kimmel continues to grow, with many questioning whether they can remain aligned with a company that suspends talent under pressure.
The Financial Fallout?
Could this escalating situation have serious financial implications for Disney? Boycotts against Disney's streaming services and theme parks might hit where it hurts, especially considering these platforms have recently buoyed the company's earnings.
Disney's latest quarterly report revealed a rise in subscribers: Disney+ clocked 128 million, a growth of 1.8 million from the previous quarter, while Hulu and Disney+ together amassed a whopping 183 million subscribers. This surge has helped stabilize profits, offsetting declines in film and television revenue.
Kimmel's Controversial Remarks and the FCC's Response
The controversy began when Kimmel criticized certain political factions, labeling them as the 'MAGA gang' and accusing them of exploiting a tragic incident involving Charlie Kirk to score political points. This prompted FCC Chair Brendan Carr to label Kimmel's comments as 'truly sick' and suggest potential regulatory action against Disney.
Nexstar Media Group responded to the fallout by preemptively pulling Kimmel's show from ABC affiliates, with Sinclair Broadcasting also joining the call for Kimmel to apologize to Kirk's family and contribute a 'substantial donation'.
Calls for Balance in Free Speech
While many on the right celebrate Kimmel's suspension, figures like Senator Ted Cruz caution against government overreach in media. Cruz noted that while he disagreed with Kimmel's remarks, the implication of government regulation on free speech could set a dangerous precedent, warning that it could ultimately harm conservative voices.
As the tension escalates, the future of Disney’s platforms hangs in the balance. Will the protests and calls for boycott lead to significant change, or will the entertainment titan weather this storm? One thing is for sure: The coming days will be pivotal for both Disney and its dedicated fanbase.