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The Walt Disney Company announced Friday that it would make “Frozen 2” available on the Disney Plus streaming platform this weekend.
- The announcement comes as fears over COVID-19 continue to spread and cases continue to climb.
What’s going on?
- Disney will make “Frozen 2” available on Sunday, March 15, “surprising families with some fun and joy during this challenging period,” the company said in a news release.
- Disney Plus typically releases content at 12 a.m. PT (1 a.m. MT).
- The move comes “three months early,” according to Disney.
- Bob Chapek, chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Company, said in a statement: “‘Frozen 2’ has captivated audiences around the world through its powerful themes of perseverance and the importance of family, messages that are incredibly relevant during this time, and we are pleased to be able to share this heartwarming story early with our Disney+ subscribers to enjoy at home on any device.”
- “Frozen 2” will be available on Disney Plus in Canada, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday, March 17.
Disney reacts to the coronavirus
- The decision to move “Frozen 2” to Disney Plus three months early is likely a reaction to the novel coronavirus, which has spread throughout the world — including the United States, where there are more than 2,000 confirmed cases.
- In response to the outbreak, Disney has closed down Disneyland California, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Paris, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World.
- Disney also halted production on a number of films and TV shows, including “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Home Alone” and “Shrunk.”
- In addition, Disney postponed the releases of “Mulan,” “New Mutants” and “Antlers,” all of which come from their multiple studios.
- It’s unclear if the company plans to postpone “Black Widow” and “Artemis Fowl.”