Let the domino effect begin. The fallout has started, but it’s not as bad as once thought. Marvel‘s “Black Widow” just moved to July 9, from May 2021 (day and date), and has caused a small chain reaction of release dates for Disney. The biggest move aside from the Marvel film is Disney’s Live-Action “Cruella,” which is now being released day and date in theaters and on Disney+ with premier Access on May 28.
All of this signifies that while theaters are open, Disney clearly doesn’t believe the theatrical-only experience will be big enough to sustain itself, given theaters may still be at 50% capacity or less. Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” is also being affected and is moving to Disney+ on June 18 with no Premiere Access.
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“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.
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Similar to the launch of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-nominated “Soul,” Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” will stream directly in homes worldwide exclusively on Disney+ beginning Friday, June 18, as a special offering to kick-off the summer season. In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, the film will be released theatrically, with premiere dates to be announced.
Marvel’s “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is impacted too and moving to one of the worst release dates there is; labor day weekend on September 3, not a huge sign of encouragement from traditional standards, but perhaps the pandemic has made all weekends an all-bet-are-off change, and they’re hoping for greater success then. Apart from early January, Labor Day weekend has been traditionally known as a dumping ground for studios.
Theatrical release dates also shifted for several additional upcoming films. New release dates include:
- “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