Nate Bargatze, the renowned comedian, is featured on the latest cover of Esquire magazine where he discusses his vision of becoming a modern-day Walt Disney figure for the average person. In his interview, Bargatze mentions his inspirations, which include iconic comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Judd Apatow, and Adam Sandler, as well as Walt Disney himself. He admires Disney for his customer-centric approach, a quality Bargatze believes the current leadership at Disney has lost.
According to Bargatze, caring for the audience is paramount because without them, none of his success would be possible. As he plans to wind down his stand-up comedy career with just a few more specials, Bargatze is setting the stage to create a Disney-like empire. This empire would encompass movies, TV shows, merchandise, books, podcasts, and even a theme park in Nashville named Nateland, which is set to be built on the site of the former Opryland theme park.
In an interview with Esquire, Bargatze hinted that the theme park project may be closer to fruition than people realize, although there is still some way to go. Additionally, Bargatze is gearing up to host the Emmy Awards later this year, adding to his already impressive resume as a beloved TV personality known for his comedy specials and hosting stints on “Saturday Night Live.”
When it comes to the type of TV content Bargatze envisions creating, he expresses a preference for more accessible programming over prestige shows like “Succession.” While acknowledging the critical acclaim of shows like “Succession,” Bargatze believes there should be a balance between highbrow and more light-hearted content like “King of Queens.” He emphasizes the importance of providing viewers with a variety of options that serve as a palate cleanser in the entertainment landscape.
For more insights into Nate Bargatze’s plans and perspectives, you can read his full cover story on Esquire’s website. Stay tuned for updates on Bargatze’s upcoming projects and the potential realization of his ambitious plans for Nateland and beyond.