20th Century Studios

What 20th Century Studios does

20th Century Studios is a major American film production and distribution studio headquartered in Los Angeles, founded in 1935 as 20th Century Fox and rebranded under its current name in January 2020 following The Walt Disney Company's approximately $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox in March 2019. The studio operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary within Disney's Walt Disney Studios portfolio alongside Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Searchlight Pictures, producing theatrical feature films across action, sci-fi, horror, comedy, drama, and animation genres for global audiences.

Its core product slate is organized around high-value franchise IP — Avatar, Planet of the Apes, Alien, Predator, Ice Age, and The Devil Wears Prada — supported by standalone tentpoles and adaptations (e.g., The Dog Stars, Whalefall, Beach Read). The studio's underlying technology stack centers on advanced performance-capture and visual-effects capabilities (most prominently the Avatar franchise) and premium large-format presentation through its Barco HDR partnership, which enables highlights more than six times brighter than traditional projection. Recent releases such as Avatar: Fire and Ash ($1.48B global), The Devil Wears Prada 2 ($677M global), and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ($400M global) demonstrate the IP's commercial scale.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: theatrical box office (one-time), streaming licensing on Disney+ and Hulu following theatrical windows (subscription recurring), home entertainment/physical media (one-time), and brand partnerships plus IP licensing for gaming, immersive experiences, and merchandise (licensing/royalties). Distribution is managed through Disney's global infrastructure spanning theatrical, streaming, physical retail, and immersive venues such as the upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show Sphere experience (2027). The studio monetizes each release across multiple platforms simultaneously — Devil Wears Prada 2 alone spanned co-marketing deals with L'Oréal Paris, Samsung, Hisense, Starbucks, Zillow, TRESemmé, and others alongside theatrical, merchandise, and forthcoming streaming windows.

Name

20th Century Studios

Legal name

20th Century Studios

Website

https://20thcenturystudios.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1935

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

20th Century Studios is a Los Angeles-based film production studio and wholly-owned Disney subsidiary, producing major theatrical franchises including Avatar, Planet of the Apes, Alien, and Devil Wears Prada for global theatrical, streaming, and home entertainment audiences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Film Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (512110), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829)

akta.pro primary industry

Scripted Feature Film Production (Live-Action) (MPADABAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Animated Feature Film Production (MPADACAH)

Keywords

• Film production
• Theatrical distribution
• Franchise management
• Intellectual property licensing
• Streaming content

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Theatrical Box Office: Revenue generated from theatrical releases through global cinema distribution. Films like The Devil Wears Prada 2 earned $233.6 million worldwide in opening weekend. The Devil Wears Prada 2 reached $677 million globally.
2. Streaming Platform Licensing: Films stream on Disney+ and Hulu following theatrical windows. Avatar: Fire and Ash streaming on Disney+ starting June 24, 2025. The Devil Wears Prada 2 expected on Disney+ around August-September 2026.
3. Home Entertainment/Physical Media: Revenue from 4K Blu-ray, DVD, and digital releases. Fight Club received first-ever 4K Blu-ray release in May 2026 as Limited Edition Steelbook. Send Help released on 4K Ultra HD and DVD.
4. Brand Partnerships and Merchandising: Extensive brand activation partnerships spanning beauty, fashion, food, lifestyle, and technology sectors. The Devil Wears Prada 2 had partnerships with L'Oréal Paris, TRESemmé, Samsung, Hisense, Starbucks, Zillow, Dior, and others. Merchandise sold through Walmart including Miranda doll ($35) and cerulean blue dress ($49).
5. Intellectual Property Licensing: Licensing of franchise IP for games and experiences. Rocky Horror Picture Show immersive experience at Sphere (2027) developed in partnership with Primary Wave Music and 20th Century Studios. Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 developed by Cold Iron Studios with 20th Century Studios collaboration.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

20th Century Studios produces and distributes theatrical feature films across multiple genres including sci-fi, action, horror, comedy, and animation. The studio produces films under major franchises (Avatar, Planet of the Apes, Alien, Predator, Ice Age, The Devil Wears Prada) as well as standalone titles, then distributes them globally through theatrical release followed by streaming on Disney+ and Hulu and home entertainment (4K Blu-ray, DVD, digital).

Product overview

20th Century Studios is a film production studio producing feature films across multiple genres including sci-fi, horror, comedy, drama, action, and animation. The studio operates under Disney and produces major theatrical releases organized into franchises (Avatar, Planet of the Apes, Alien, Predator, Ice Age, The Devil Wears Prada) and standalone films. The company releases films theatrically followed by home entertainment (4K Blu-ray, digital) and streaming distribution through Disney+. Key recent releases include Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025), The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026), Send Help (2026), The Dog Stars (2026), and Whalefall (2026). Upcoming projects include Ice Age: Boiling Point (2027), new Planet of the Apes film, King Conan, Beach Read adaptation, and various franchise installments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Devil Wears Prada 2 Sequel to the 2006 phenomenon, reuniting original cast of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci with director David Frankel. Released theatrically May 1, 2026, grossing $677 million globally.
• Avatar: Fire and Ash Third installment in James Cameron's Avatar franchise released in theaters December 19, 2025. Crossed $1 billion globally in two weeks. Available on Disney+ streaming June 24, 2026.
• Send Help Sam Raimi-directed thriller starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. Released February 2026. Debuted at #1 with $20 million opening weekend, total worldwide gross $28.1 million. Available on 4K Ultra HD, DVD, and digital.
• Predator: Badlands Sci-fi action film directed by Dan Trachtenberg. Became highest-grossing entry in Predator franchise at $184.5 million worldwide. Streaming on JioHotstar.
• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Fourth installment in the modern Planet of the Apes franchise. Earned nearly $400 million worldwide on $160 million production budget. Franchise collectively crossed $2 billion globally.
• Alien: Romulus Feature film in the Alien franchise produced by 20th Century Studios. Supports transmedia franchise extensions including video games such as Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2.
• Fight Club (4K Blu-ray Limited Edition) First-ever 4K Blu-ray release of David Fincher's 1999 film Fight Club as Limited Edition Steelbook. HDR10 remaster at native 4K resolution on 100GB disc. Shipping May 12, 2026.
• The Dog Stars Ridley Scott's post-apocalyptic sci-fi film based on Peter Heller's novel. Stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Allison Janney. Scheduled for theatrical release August 28, 2026.
• Whalefall Survival thriller directed by Brian Duffield based on Daniel Kraus' novel. Stars Austin Abrams as a diver swallowed by a sperm whale, with Josh Brolin. Scheduled for theatrical release October 16, 2026 with 4DX format.
• Ice Age: Boiling Point Animated sequel in the Ice Age franchise. Features return of Sid, Manny, Diego, Ellie, Buck, and possum brothers. First installment in 10 years. Scheduled for theatrical release February 5, 2027.
• Rocky Horror Picture Show Sphere Experience Immersive Sphere Experience based on The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975 cult film) IP, developed in partnership with Sphere Studios and Primary Wave Music. Expected to open at Sphere venues in Las Vegas in 2027.
• A Haunting in Venice Kenneth Branagh-directed mystery thriller featuring Hercule Poirot, based on Agatha Christie's novel. Released September 15, 2023.

Quantifiable outcome

• The Devil Wears Prada 2 earned $233.6M worldwide in opening weekend, becoming biggest debut for traditional comedy in 11 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Cold Iron StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2026Cold Iron Studios developing Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, working closely with 20th Century Studios to ensure narrative respects Alien franchise lore. Game director Chris Cross confirmed collaboration at Summer Game Fest 2026. Cooperative shooter will feature four-player co-op across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
• Sphere Studios / Sphere EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Sphere Studios (a division of Sphere Entertainment) will produce a new immersive Sphere Experience based on The Rocky Horror Picture Show, expected to open in 2027. The production will use Sphere's advanced immersive technologies to enhance the original 1975 cult film. This expands Sphere's original content slate alongside Postcard from Earth and The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.
• Primary Wave MusicmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026Primary Wave Music collaborating with Sphere Studios and 20th Century Studios on Rocky Horror Picture Show immersive experience at Sphere venues, expected 2027. Partnership for development and licensing of the cult film's IP for immersive entertainment.
• HisensemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 April 2026Hisense announced landmark collaboration with 20th Century Studios featuring its RGB MiniLED display technology at the world premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in New York and within the film's Runway Magazine offices. Campaign positions Hisense TVs as design-forward elements in fashion and cultural contexts, extending beyond traditional entertainment use. Hisense is official sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026.
• StarbuckssupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 April 2026Starbucks sent four real junior employees to attend The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere in NYC in green cupholder costumes as part of global marketing collaboration. Assistants distributed gift cards on NYC streets before attending premiere. Mixed reaction from public on social media.
• SamsungmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 April 2026Samsung announced global collaboration with 20th Century Studios to promote Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone through The Devil Wears Prada 2. Partnership includes promotional video featuring actor Helen J. Shen using Circle to Search with Google feature, and red-carpet runway camera at premiere with celebrities including Heidi Klum and Winnie Harlow.
• ZillowsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 April 2026Zillow signed as brand partner for The Devil Wears Prada 2, creating marketing campaign featuring hero spot set in Runway magazine offices where editors use Zillow Rental's filters. Part of Zillow's broader strategy to expand cultural reach, with rental division reporting 45% revenue growth to $168 million in recent quarter.
• TRESemmésupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 March 2026TRESemmé launched Get Your Hair on the A-List campaign featuring collaboration with The Devil Wears Prada 2. Limited-edition products inspired by the movie launched at mass retailers April 1. Campaign aims to make red carpet styling accessible to consumers.
• L'Oréal ParismajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 March 2026L'Oréal Paris announced collaborative advertising campaign with The Devil Wears Prada 2, debuting promotional spot featuring Kendall Jenner and Simone Ashley during the 98th Annual Academy Awards. Campaign extends beyond Oscars night with multiple activations around theatrical release on May 1. Created by Maximum Effort, plays on film's fashion and glamour theme.
• BarcocoreTechnology or Integration · 12 March 2026Barco announced HDR by Barco format confirmed for The Devil Wears Prada 2, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Toy Story 5. Films spanning 20th Century Studios, Lucasfilm, and Disney/Pixar will join Barco's HDR programming slate. Technology uses Lightsteering to produce highlights over 6x brighter than traditional projection while retaining shadow detail.
• Disney+coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 December 2025Avatar: Fire and Ash released on Disney+ June 24, 2025, bringing entire Avatar saga to streaming platform for first time along with documentary Fire and Water. Platform serves as primary streaming home for 20th Century Studios content following theatrical windows.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Walt Disney Studios: Sister studio within The Walt Disney Company producing theatrical feature films (live-action and animation). Direct peer as both operate under the same Disney distribution umbrella and produce films of comparable budget and global ambition.
• Universal Pictures: One of the Big Six major film studios and a direct competitor in theatrical production and distribution. Both studios compete for global box office, franchise tentpoles, and premium large-format screen share under similar release economics.
• Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group: Big Six major film studio with overlapping franchise IP (DC, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings). Direct competitor in theatrical tentpoles and streaming windowing through Max.
• Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group: Big Six major film studio and direct theatrical peer with comparable franchise IP portfolio (Spider-Man, Ghostbusters). Competes head-to-head for global tentpole releases and theatrical market share.
• Paramount Pictures: Big Six major film studio (now part of Paramount Skydance) and direct peer in theatrical production and distribution. Competes for premium release slots and franchise tentpole economics similar to 20th Century Studios.
• Lionsgate: Major film studio with comparable theatrical releases (Hunger Games, John Wick franchises). Smaller than 20th Century Studios but operates a similar franchise-tentpole + mid-budget theatrical model.

Broad incumbents

• Marvel Studios: Sister Disney studio producing tentpole franchise films (MCU). Comparable as a franchise-driven film studio within Disney's portfolio with similar billion-dollar IP economics and reliance on sequel/reboot cadence.
• Pixar Animation Studios: Sister Disney studio producing feature animated films (Toy Story franchise). Comparable as a Disney-owned theatrical film studio with premium animation technology and similar global box office reach.
• Lucasfilm: Sister Disney studio producing Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. Comparable in franchise-driven tentpole economics and is co-adopting Barco HDR technology alongside 20th Century Studios for upcoming releases.

Emerging players

• A24: Independent film studio producing prestige and original IP with strong theatrical presence. Comparable as a film producer/distributor focused on theatrical release, though operating at much smaller scale and without tentpole franchises.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/20thcentury

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments4 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 20th Century Studios