Los Angeles | September 21, 2025 – Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has cautioned that Disney’s stock price could see a deeper decline if ABC, the network owned by Disney, decides to cancel its flagship late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Ruffalo, widely recognized for his role as Hulk in Marvel’s Avengers franchise, said the company risks losing a crucial cultural platform at a time when its stock is already under pressure. “If Disney cancels Jimmy Kimmel Live, the stock is going to drop a lot further,” the actor said during a recent media interaction.
Disney’s Stock Under Pressure
Disney’s shares have witnessed volatility over the past year, impacted by slowing box office returns, increased streaming competition, and cost-cutting measures. Analysts say any disruption to ABC’s programming could add to investor concerns. According to Wall Street observers, Jimmy Kimmel Live contributes significantly to ABC’s late-night lineup, drawing consistent advertising revenue and maintaining cultural relevance.
The show, which premiered in 2003, has become one of the longest-running late-night programs in the U.S. It has hosted a wide range of celebrities, political figures, and international guests, often setting the tone for next-day social media conversations. Industry experts argue that canceling the show could weaken ABC’s brand identity and reduce its influence in the competitive late-night segment. The warning from Ruffalo comes amid growing discussions on the future of late-night television. With younger audiences shifting toward streaming platforms, YouTube clips, and podcasts, traditional late-night formats have seen declining live viewership.
Despite this trend, programs like Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert remain important platforms for advertisers and networks. Ruffalo’s remarks triggered debate among viewers and investors on social media. While many fans supported his call to retain Kimmel’s show, some argued that the late-night format is losing relevance in the streaming era. Entertainment analysts, however, said Disney must weigh the symbolic and financial importance of retaining such programs as part of its broader strategy.
No Official Confirmation from ABC
As of now, ABC has not issued an official statement regarding the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Network insiders say discussions about programming costs are ongoing as Disney continues restructuring to balance traditional television with its streaming-first approach.
Mark Ruffalo’s comments underline the uncertainty facing both Disney and the late-night television industry. For Disney, the decision on Jimmy Kimmel Live will not only affect ABC’s late-night lineup but may also have broader implications for its market standing and brand identity.
