In a reminder that theatrical windows aren't getting back to pre-COVID normal any time soon, Disney has announced that its upcoming, eagerly anticipated Black Widow solo movie and Cruella will both debut on Disney+ this summer the same time they arrive in theaters.
Both movies were originally scheduled to launch in theaters, prior to making their way to video-on-demand and other home video services at a later date. However, Disney made the call for this hybrid release based on the continuing challenge---and ensuing disappointing box office---of theatrical releases.
Premier Access Only
"Today's announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences," said chairman of Disney's media and entertainment distribution, Kareem Daniel, in a statement.
The two movies won't be available to viewers just based on the regular Disney+ subscription rate, however. On top of the regular monthly fee, viewers must pay an extra rental fee---most likely $30---for the Premier Access service. This is the same model Disney employed for its previous releases of Mulan, and Raya and the Last Dragon.
Black Widow in theaters July 9 and on @DisneyPlus with Premier Access. Additional fees required. pic.twitter.com/MSLHxk6Eez
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) March 23, 2021
The Marvel solo movie Black Widow, starring Scarlett Johansson, will debut July 9. Originally, it was due to arrive in theaters on May 1, 2020. However, it was pushed back more than a year as a result of the continuing effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, 101 Dalmatians prequel, Cruella, which stars Emma Stone, will arrive on Disney+ on May 28.
Disney says that the two movies will launch in "most Disney+ markets" on these dates. Conceivably, things could differ slightly depending on theatrical launches in the respective countries. Disney has not yet revealed when the pair of films will be added to Disney+'s regular service for the normal monthly subscription fee. Based on the model employed by Mulan, they may arrive on regular Disney+ three months after launching in theaters and Premier Access.
100 Million Subs, and Counting
Disney additionally announced that the Marvel movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has been pushed back a couple of months to September 3, 2021.
The entertainment powerhouse company recently revealed that its streaming service, Disney+, has already topped 100 million subscribers. For a service that only launched in November 2019, just prior to the start of an economic downturn due to coronavirus, that's an absolutely spectacular achievement.
At the same time, the launch was great, fortuitous timing for Disney, which otherwise would have been far more limited in its release options in the time of COVID-19.
Image Credit: Disney+
