Three more Disney films are going to release exclusively in theaters
NEWS
By Ray Ampoloquio September 12, 2021
It appears that Disney can file the experimental release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as a success.
After flirting with hybrid releases for several of its films earlier this year, Disney has found a reason to go back to its previous arrangement.
Of course, by that, we mean the $150 million that the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film pulled in at the global box office.
Because of Shang-Chi's local and international success, Disney is making changes to its release strategy for the rest of the year.
Walt Disney Studios initially decided to take advantage of Disney+ Premiere Access earlier this year.
Unfortunately, this decision ruffled a few feathers.
Right now, there is an ongoing legal dispute between Scarlett Johansson and Disney.
Thus, it only makes sense that Disney is looking for alternatives.
This includes going back to how it previously released movies and making all of them exclusive in theaters.
As a result, Marvel's Eternals and Steven Spielberg's adaptation of West Side Story will remain exclusive in theaters for 45 days.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Disney Animated film, Encanto, will get a 30-day run in theaters
After the initial theater run of all three films, Disney intends to release them in Disney Plus.
It's interesting to see how Hollywood executives are adjusting their release schedules and strategies.
Clearly, everyone is playing it safe with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging on.
Maybe this change in plans is enough to make Warner Bros. think of doing the same thing as well.
The studio has stubbornly decided to stick to its proverbial guns this 2021.
This is despite the disappointing financial outcome of James Gunn's The Suicide Squad.
Only time will tell if this will pay off once Dune and The Matrix Resurrections premiere later this year.
Speaking of changes, Sony's strategy appears more flexible.
After delaying Venom: Let There Be Carnage multiple times, Sony has moved the film's premiere date up by two weeks.
With that said, Disney's bet on its next three big films could end up paying big time for them.
Marvel's Eternals features an ensemble cast that should draw in its fair share of audiences based on star power alone.
In addition to Angelina Jolie, Marvel's Eternals will also feature Salma Hayek, among others.