'Black Widow' Will Premiere on Disney+
by EG
Disney has announced that it will premiere its next big Marvel movie, Black Widow, on the Disney+ streaming service at the same time the movie hits theaters. Disney+ subscribers will have to pay an extra $30 to see the movie at that date, however. Disney continues to try to find the best release model for its movies in the pandemic era. Read on for details.
In its biggest pandemic-related streaming move yet, Disney has opted to make Marvel Studios' Black Widow available on Disney+ Premier Access at the same time it hits theaters. Ditto for Cruella, another big-budget tentpole.
Black Widow is now slated for July 9, moving back from its previous May 7 date. It will be available to Disney+ subscribers for an additional $30. The studio previously released Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon for $30 through the Premier Access tier.
Disney also announced that Cruella, starring Emma Stone, will debut day and date in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access on May 28. Meanwhile, the animated film Luca will skip theaters entirely and hit Disney+ June 18.
The bold moves underscore the company's aggressive foray into streaming and premium VOD. In recent days, Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek has made it clear that the old rules regarding how movies are distributed in theaters and in the home are gone.
“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.
Disney hasn't released any Premier Access numbers for Raya or Mulan, but it's clear they generated enough business for the company to keep experimenting. A number of major circuits — including Cinemark in the U.S. — refused to carry Raya because they wanted more generous terms in exchange for the film playing day-and-date. It remains to be seen whether that pattern repeats itself with Black Widow and Cruella.
Tuesday's announcement is no doubt a blow for exhibitors who are reopening their cinemas in such major markets as Los Angeles and New York City. A box office recovery in the short term will depend upon big titles being available.
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
Will you pay extra to see Black Widow when it premieres? Let us know in the comments below.