UPDATED – (See the bottom) – Now it pains me to write this article as things in Australia covid wise are pretty great, cinemas are open and at decent capacities so the movement of upcoming Disney blockbusters to screen in cinemas & Disney+ at the same time should really be a mute issue. Now I get it the US still has some issues but cinemas are starting to open back up but you also have to look at this that cinemas here are still struggling and they’re just dying for a big blockbuster to bring huge crowds back to cinemas so its really a punch in the gut. I will add that I haven’t received a press release from the aussie Disney crew announcing the moves here yet (usually they are pretty good at doing it at the same time, will update when/if I get it) so I’m still a little hopeful but here’s what’s happening in the US.
Now I get that people will still get the chance to see the films in cinemas (except Luca) but putting it on Disney+ at the same time for a fee a lot of people will choose to watch it at home.. personally what they should be doing especially here in Australia is releasing the films in cinemas with an exclusive window before it lands on premier access on Disney+, this would give the cinemas a chance to try and recoup some funds from last year, it will also make opening night at the cinema a thing again… even if its just for two weeks it has to be something? I really do hope there’s active conversations between the exhibitors/cinemas and the studios right now.. but anyways, rant over.
So lets list the movements..
Black Widow has moved from May 7 to July 9, 2021, when it will hit theaters and be released on Disney+ under the Premier Access tier which requires an extra payment on top of the money for a subscription to the streamer. The same thing goes for Cruella, which will now debut simultaneously on May 28, 2021. The newest Pixar movie, Luca, will debut exclusively on Disney+ on June 18, 2021, though that title will not require an extra fee for subscribers to watch. In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, Luca will be released theatrically.
Here are the additional theatrical release date shifts just announced by the company:
- Free Guy on August 13, 2021
- Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on September 3, 2021
- The King’s Man on December 22, 2021
- Deep Water on January 14, 2022
- Death on the Nile on February 11, 2022
“Today’s announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences. By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world,” said Kareem Daniel, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution chairman.
Will update more when we get it.
Confirmed the same will be taking place in Australia.
