Disney said Thursday that it will release a pack of new movies in movie theaters exclusively — a change from the recent decision to release films on Disney+ and in movie theaters simultaneously during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which Disney movies are coming to theaters?
Disney said the films “Free Guy” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” will be released exclusively in movie theaters, according to Variety.
- “Free Guy” debuts Aug. 13.
- “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” drops Sept. 3.
But Disney will give these films a 45-day exclusive theatrical release window, which is half the traditional window of 90 days, according to The Verge.
Of course, Disney is giving some wait time before embracing the old ways. Disney announced Thursday that its film “Jungle Cruise” will hit theaters and Disney+ simultaneously in July.
The upcoming Marvel flick “Black Widow” and the Disney film “Cruella” will also have the Disney+ and movie theater release.
Why it matters
“It’s a move that makes a lot of sense for all of these companies: even the biggest movies in the world tend to make the bulk of their money theatrically in the first few weekends, and the longer that films are kept exclusive to theaters, the longer companies like Disney and WarnerMedia have to wait before they can get them through the usual paid video windows and onto streaming services like Disney Plus and HBO Max,” according to The Verge.