Disney's top marketing executive MT Carney has quit. In the publicity blitz leading up to the debut, John Carter could be facing some trouble. There are also numerous reports that the budget has greatly exceeded expectations.
The Wrap is reporting that Disney's adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs'
A Princess of Mars is riddled with rumors of overspending and concerns that with Carney's departure, they may not be able to raise the awareness needed. The production budget alone has gone up to $250 million, that doesn't even account for the $120 million that will be used for marketing (like the posters overtaking Los Angeles as seen in one of the other fine articles on this site).
The main concern is that while Burroughs novels have a fan base, it may be a harder sell for the uneducated masses that haven't read the books. The amount of money that has to be pulled in to even start the studio considering a sequel is currently $700 million at the global box office. Disney has to pull in a very wide audience to get close to this goal, and without Carney, many fear this may not happen.
The first trailer was nothing to write home about, but more recent trailers and pictures have really raised some interest, myself included. While a lot of this is speculation, it is not something to scoff at. What say you? Is this a problem? Do you think it will reach $700 million? Sound off below.