Disney Pixar’s “Soul” will now be released Nov. 20.
The film starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey was originally scheduled to hit theaters June 19. The postponement comes as many theaters in the United States have closed until at least mid-July because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Associated Press.
“Soul” will fill the slot previously given to Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon,” which has been pushed back to March 12, 2021, Deadline reports.
The previous release date for “Soul” fell on Juneteenth to signify the film’s importance for the black community, the Deseret News previously reported. “Soul” is Pixar’s first full-length picture to feature a black lead.
The new release date for “Soul” falls on the 25-year anniversary of the release of “Toy Story,” Cinema Blend reports.
The trailer for “Soul” had already received significant praise for its storyline and animation.
“Soul” is expected to be a major contender at the box office and Oscars, which is part of the reason Pixar hasn’t digitally released the film as it did with “Onward,” ScreenRant reports.
Postponing “Soul” isn’t just a good financial move for Pixar, but also a helpful move as people globally try to heal from a deadly pandemic, according to Polygon. At the heart of “Soul” is the message to ask meaningful questions and explore their complicated answers.