Just when it looked like studios were going back to a theatrical window release pattern with today’s news of Regal and Warner Bros.’ deal, Disney smashes that to bits.
Disney is opening both of its key summer events pics Cruella and Marvel’s Black Widow simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access (which is usually $30 a purchase extra for subs) in most Disney+ markets on Friday, May 28 and on Friday, July 9, respectively. Just as the good news was spreading for LA and NYC’s reopening, it’s a sign that the No. 1 studio doesn’t have faith in exhibition just yet. They tried this recently with Raya and the Last Dragon to lackluster B.O. results ($23.4M in the first three weekends), and in this morning’s press release are declaring that movie was a “success” for them without backing any numbers up. Cinemark as well as other exhibitors refused to play Raya given Disney’s stiff deal to them, however, by the studio taking their two most prized pics to Disney+ as well as theaters, it truly twists the arms of exhibitors. Oy. How could exhibition refuse to play such titles?
By the way, Deadline told you first that Cruella was heading to Disney+, although during Disney Investor Day, CEO Bob Chapek mentioned it was intended to go theatrical.
At the same time, Disney announced that their Pixar summer feature Luca will stream exclusively into Disney+ homes worldwide on June 18, which is what the studio did with Pixar’s Soul over Christmas. In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, Luca will be released theatrically, with premiere dates to be announced.
If we all were listing closely to Chapek recently, it was clear he was indicating a theatrical-Disney+ release strategy pics like Black Widow
Before this even occurred today, one rival distribution chief predicted that Disney “would continue to experiment.”
“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, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution said in a statemnt
Other theatrical release date changes for Disney include the following:
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