The release of Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” has been delayed for the better part of over a year due to the ongoing pandemic. But it will now get a simultaneous theatrical and digital release on July 9, 2021. That is thanks in no small part to the success of “Raya and The Last Dragon’s” performance on Disney+’s Premiere Access.
Additionally, Disney’s “Cruella” will also be getting a release day and date in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on May 28. However, Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” to release exclusively on Disney+ on June 18, 2021, without the extra charge from Premiere Access.
“Today’s announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences. By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.
Theatrical release dates also shifted for several additional upcoming films. New release dates include:
“Free Guy” on August 13, 2021
“Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” on September 3, 2021
“The King’s Man” on December 22, 2021
“Deep Water” on January 14, 2022
“Death on the Nile” on February 11, 2022
“Black Widow” now takes the release date previously held by “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” which now moves to a September release. It’s still not clear what will happen to Chloe Zhao’s “Eternals,” which is slated to hit theaters in November of this year.
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However, the decision to release “Black Widow” on the same day and date release in theaters and on Disney+’s Premiere Access is a sign that the strategy is working. People can still enjoy movies while also enjoying those blockbuster tentpoles from the comforts of their homes. Of course, last year’s same day and date release in theaters and on digital had more to do with the fact that there was a pandemic.
Now that we seem to be on the downturn of the pandemic, those who want to see movies in a theater can do so. And for those who still feel uncomfortable about going to a theater, they have the option of watching it from home. It should be interesting to see how Marvel Studios moves forward with this type of hybrid release, given that there is still an ongoing pandemic with an uncertain future. But we will keep you up-to-date should anything change.
