After facing considerable backlash for its involvement in political and cultural debates, Disney seems to be prioritizing entertainment once again. The company's recent actions suggest a significant shift away from politically charged narratives.

One prominent example is Disney's decision to remove a transgender storyline from Pixar's upcoming animated series "Win or Lose." A company spokesperson explained that this decision was made in recognition of parents' desire to address certain topics with their children at their own pace. This move marks a departure from the company's previous emphasis on diversity and inclusion, which some critics have linked to recent box office disappointments.

Disney's shift comes after a string of underperforming films in 2023. However, recent successes with movies like "Deadpool & Wolverine" and "Moana 2" suggest that a return to entertainment-focused storytelling could be a winning strategy. Charles Elson, a former director at the University of Delaware's Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance, emphasized the importance of this refocusing, stating that Disney's primary product is entertainment, not politics.

Further illustrating this shift is Disney's recent settlement with President-elect Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit against ABC News, a Disney-owned company. The settlement, which involved a significant payment to a Trump foundation, drew criticism from some commentators. Elson pointed out that engaging in political disputes can have negative consequences for businesses, especially those operating under government regulation.

CEO Bob Iger has also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Disney's commitment to entertainment first. In a CNBC interview, Iger stated that while the company values promoting positive messages, its primary focus should be creating engaging content. He reiterated the importance of being an entertainment-first company.

These recent decisions – from removing politically charged storylines to settling legal disputes – signal a clear change in direction for Disney. The company appears to be prioritizing its core business of entertainment, potentially marking a new era for the media giant.