Nate Bargatze Critiques Disney and Aims to Create a Family-Friendly Media Empire

Nate Bargatze Critiques Disney and Aims to Create a Family-Friendly Media Empire

Comedian Nate Bargatze has made headlines for criticizing Disney, claiming the entertainment giant has lost touch with its audience. In a recent interview with Esquire, he outlined his vision for building a competing family-friendly media empire.

The renowned stand-up comic, celebrated for his clean comedy routines, is currently at the peak of his career. He has sold over one million tickets to his shows, surpassing the combined totals of notable comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, and Sebastian Maniscalco.

Transitioning From Stand-Up to Media Mogul

Bargatze is not just focused on stand-up; he has plans to launch a family-oriented production company by the end of 2023. He intends to step back from touring in the coming years to dedicate himself to this new venture.

Inspired by successful figures such as Jerry Seinfeld, Judd Apatow, and Adam Sandler, as well as the legendary Walt Disney, Bargatze aims to recapture the magic that made Disney a household name. He praises Disney’s founder for prioritizing his brand and audience but expresses concern about the current leadership’s direction.

A Critique of Disney’s Leadership

Bargatze remarked, “Now Disney is run by a guy that’s just a businessman,” referencing CEO Bob Iger. His statement illustrates a growing sentiment among some fans that the company has shifted away from its core values.

Addressing the importance of audience connection, Bargatze stated, “None of this happens without them.” This reflects his commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with fans as he navigates his own media ambitions.

Addressing the Backlash Against Disney

In recent years, Disney has faced criticism for what some perceive as a focus on a ‘woke’ political agenda. Critics argue that this shift has alienated the core audience that Disney built over decades. As a response, Disney has begun scaling back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, noting a strategic review in their latest SEC filings.

Last year, America First Legal accused Disney of damaging its brand and reputation, alleging that these policies contributed to a staggering loss of over $100 billion in market capitalization since 2021.

Bargatze believes that through his own media company, he can meet the needs of families who seek wholesome entertainment. His vision includes creating movies and television shows, launching merchandise, publishing books, producing podcasts, and even developing a theme park in Nashville named Nateland.

Building the Future of Family Entertainment

Looking ahead, Bargatze is optimistic about the potential for his theme park project. He stated, “I bet we’re closer than people think,” indicating that significant progress has been made, although he acknowledges there is still work to do.

He plans to establish the park at the site of the former Opryland theme park, where he experienced his first job. This personal connection to the location fuels his aspiration to revive a nostalgic form of family entertainment.

A Round of Applause for a New Role

In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Bargatze will be hosting the 77th Emmy Awards in September, as announced by CBS in April. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in his career and aligns with his efforts to broaden his appeal beyond stand-up comedy.

Innovating in a Challenging Landscape

The landscape of family entertainment is rapidly evolving, and Bargatze’s commitment to his audience may resonate amid increasing dissatisfaction with mainstream media offerings. By prioritizing wholesome content and engaging storytelling, he aims to carve out a niche that appeals to parents and children alike.

As the industry continues to grapple with the challenges posed by changing societal norms and audience expectations, the emergence of new voices like Bargatze’s could shift dynamics. His dedication to authentic, family-friendly content positions him to play a pivotal role in the future of entertainment.

Disney did not respond to requests for comment regarding Bargatze’s remarks and his plans for a competing media company.