Comedian Nate Bargatze expressed his disappointment that as he gains popularity, Disney seems to be more focused on business rather than his audience.
In an interview with Esquire Magazine, Bargatze shared his aspiration to be akin to figures like Jerry Seinfeld, Judd Apatow, and Adam Sandler, aiming to resonate with wide audiences.
“Now Disney is managed by someone who just sees it as a business,” Bargatze commented. “It feels like they don’t really care about the fans.”
He emphasized that he prioritizes his audience because, as he puts it, “none of this would be possible without them.”
As noted by Variety, Bargatze is laying the groundwork for constructing a Disney-like empire. This includes movies, TV shows, merchandise, books, podcasts, and even a theme park dubbed Nateland, planned to be located where Opryland once thrived.
“Honestly, we might be closer than people think,” he mentioned regarding his theme park ambitions. “Yet there’s still quite a bit to go.”
Bargatze is set to receive an Emmy Award later this year following his successful Netflix stand-up special and his well-received stint hosting Saturday Night Live.
On his future projects, he shared a desire to create television that attracts viewers, one that connects highbrow shows like Inheritance with more accessible ones like King of Queens.
“I’ve never watched Inheritance,” Bargatze admitted. “I know it’s highly praised, and I definitely want to see it. But it has nothing to do with my perspective.”
He remarked, “People lead lives and have children. They don’t want to just admire art endlessly. They need some balance between critically acclaimed shows and those that everyone can relate to. These different styles should coexist. There’s no single solution.”
