Emboldened by the success of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” over Labor Day weekend, Disney is now committing six more of its upcoming films to the 45-day theatrical exclusive window before they premiere on Disney+ and other digital platforms.
The six releases Disney will be giving this treatment are “Eternals,” “The Last Duel,” “West Side Story,” “Ron’s Gone Wrong,” “The King’s Man,” and “Encanto.” Also, “Encanto” will have a slightly different deal, with only a 30-day theatrical window before debuting on Disney+.
Along with this news for Eternals, Disney revealed that Marvel Studios will block off four release dates throughout 2024: February 16, May 3, July 26, and November 8.
While which movies will occupy those dates have not been officially announced, films such as the “Fantastic Four” reboot, “Blade,” and “Deadpool 3” could be contenders as they are already in various forms of production.
Sources: Seeking Alpha, Comicbook.com
Interesting to note that 4 of these films are under the 20th Century Studios banners which more than likely would have premiered on Hulu if not in theaters.
”Ron’s Gone Wrong” could have s decent audience, West Side Story a remake of a 60 year old play then a movie I may have an OK audience, but the other two I doubt will do much.
I also wonder about “Eternals” only because I think the whole MCU is being stretched to thin and into way too many directions. People loved the Avengers and all those movies that wrapped around it along with the time-line.
And I think Loki proved a great following for a series on Disney+. I’m just not so sure that all these confusing multi-universes work well when folks are shelling out $15-$22 for theater tickets. It becomes a game of pick-and-choose which movie looks to be the most entertaining.
Not to mention if people can wait a few months they will all come to Disney+ (some maybe only Hulu).
30 days for theater runs?! That’s not fair for moviegoers like me! I know it’s due to the pandemic, but I still want to see new movies in theaters.
It’s more likely that they don’t want another lawsuit like the Scarlett Johanson one. These were all in the pipeline and contracts already written. They can’t afford several lawsuits at the same time for the same issue. They won’t be able to hire any star powe
power actors for a movie.