During the pandemic, some studios were forced to release their film slate on their respective streaming services. Now Disney is giving “Soul,” “Turning Red,” and “Luca” a proper theatrical release.
Three feature films from Disney and Pixar will hit the big screen nationwide for the first time ever in 2024, including 2020’s “Soul,” 2021’s “Luca” and 2022’s “Turning Red.” Tickets go on sale Jan. 2, 2024 for the special engagement theatrical runs, which invite moviegoers to experience three Pixar films the way they were meant to be seen ahead of the studio’s June 2024 theatrical release of “Inside Out 2.”
“Soul,” “Turning Red,” and “Luca” will all open for a short period of time during the first quarter of the year. “Soul” opens in theaters on January 2, 2023, followed by “Turning Red” which hits theaters on February 9, 2023, and finally, “Luca” makes its debut on March 22, 2023.
It’s interesting to note that “Turning Red” and “Luca” were supposed to hit theaters since the pandemic was nearing its end during their original release dates. In fact, “Turning Red” got a limited theatrical window exclusively at the El Capitan in Hollywood, CA. In any case, this is an interesting strategy now that “Elio” got rescheduled to a later date.
Of course, these three films are finally getting a theatrical release because of how Bob Chapek emphasized releasing Pixar content on Disney+ – a move many consider to be very questionable at the time. With “Elemental” proving to be a success at the box office, it seems that audiences want to see more of Pixar films on the big screen.
Like Pixar theatrical experiences of the past, audiences will be treated to a Pixar animated short film ahead of each of the features. “Soul,” opening in theaters on Jan. 12, will be accompanied by the SparkShort “Burrow.” “Turning Red,” opening Feb. 9, will be preceded by the SparkShort “Kitbull.” “Luca,” which hits the big screen March 22, includes the classic Pixar short “For the Birds.”
