With theaters re-opening in New York and Los Angeles after being off-limits for nearly a year due to the pandemic, the movie industry is returning to normal (whatever “normal” means anymore). Disney announced on Tuesday that its biggest title of the year, Black Widow, will be released simultaneously on Disney+ and in theaters.
Like Black Widow, the Emma Stone-starring Cruella will also debut simultaneously on Disney+ and in theaters on May 28. Both films will be under the streamer’s Premier Access window, available for a $30 rental fee. After Black Widow, Marvel will unleash Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in theaters on Sept. 3. Meanwhile, Pixar’s Luca will drop exclusively on Disney+ for no extra fee on June 18.
Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment distribution, says Disney’s new plan “reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences.” He continued, “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.”
Disney unveiled its plans after the successful release of its animated film, Raya and The Last Dragon, and as theaters across the country slowly start to reopen.
Other release date changes include Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer’s video game movie Free Guy (now out August 13), Matthew Vaughn’s The King’s Man (December 22), Deep Water (Jan. 14, 2022) it stars Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, which should make for an interesting press tour), and the Murder on the Orient Express follow-up, Death on the Nile (February 11, 2022).
Black Widow in theaters July 9 and on @DisneyPlus with Premier Access. Additional fees required. pic.twitter.com/MSLHxk6Eez
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) March 23, 2021
