Disney Steps Up for Cinemas in 2021, Launching Remaining Films Exclusively in Theaters
Amidst the Delta variant's COVID-19 surge, Disney's new move is a clear sign of optimism towards the returning crowd at theaters. Kareem Daniel, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution's chairman, stated in a recent announcement, "With growing trust in films, we're excited to entertain audiences in theaters while retaining the flexibility to offer Encanto gifts for Disney+ subscribers during the holiday season."
The highly anticipated animated film "Encanto," featuring a magical Colombian family with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is set to debut inside movie theaters about one month after its November 24 release, and will be available on Disney+ on Christmas Day.
Additionally, various films set to hit theaters this year, such as Marvel's "The Eternals," "West Side Story," and "Ron Gone Trouble," will be screened for 45 days exclusively at the cinema. The other movies slated for 2021 releases include "The Last Duel," "The King's Man," and "Top Gun: Maverick."
Though streaming has become more of the norm for cinema visits, theater owners faced challenges in maintaining business during the pandemic. Streaming may be the future, but films like "Shang-Chi" have demonstrated impressive box office success, being the first Marvel film with an Asian-American superhero and grossing over $247 million since its release twice ago.
Despite Marvel Studios' decision to release "Black Widow" simultaneously in cinemas and on Disney+ to Scarlett Johansson's disappointment, due to the contract breach claim, Disney's optimism has not waned. The move exemplifies a careful balancing act of satisfying both cinema audiences and streaming subscribers.
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As streaming continues to become more prominent, Disney is playfully re-entering the theater scene with its upcoming 2021 releases, starting from "Encanto." Disney films like "Shang-Chi" and "Black Widow" have proven that they still have a powerful impact on box offices, so it comes as no surprise that Disney is pinning its hopes on theaters to kick off the Holiday season with its much-awaited "Encanto."
