Throughout the pandemic, things have truly changed when it comes to movies. Some have indicated that the movie-going experience may never look the same again.
AMC Movie Theatre Reopening
But, as they say, when one door closes (even temporarily), another door opens…and that door goes by the name Disney+! With over 100 MILLION subscribers, Disney+ has really reached some major milestones, and it’s about to reach another. After significant delays, Marvel’s next upcoming superhero movie, Black Widow, will be making its premiere on Disney+ on the same date that it is released in theaters!
First came Mulan. Then Soul. And most recently, Raya and the Last Dragon. Some of Disney’s most HUGELY anticipated movies have altered their plans to premiere in theaters and opted instead to go directly to Disney+ or premiere in theaters AND Disney+ simultaneously, some for free, and others for an additional fee through Premier Access.
Soul Photo-Op
Next up for the move from theatrical release to streaming is Black Widow. This Marvel superhero film was originally set to be released in theaters in 2020. We’ve been anxiously waiting for the chance to see this movie for a WHILE now. Most recently, the film was delayed to a May 7th, 2021 theatrical release date.
We’ll FINALLY Get to See Black Widow! ©Marvel
Now, however, things have changed. According to Variety, Black Widow will arrive on Disney+ through Premier Access on July 9th! This date is slightly pushed back from its most recent May 9th scheduled release date.
Black Widow in theaters July 9 and on #DisneyPlus with Premier Access. Additional fees required. pic.twitter.com/nXBjsHoXtY
— Disney+ (@disneyplus) March 23, 2021
Black Widow Film
But, Black Widow isn’t just going to be released on Disney+. It will have a simultaneous theatrical release in participating theaters as well. Raya and the Last Dragon offered this model. Viewers will be able to opt to go to the theaters or watch the movie from home on the very same day, depending on their preferences.
Black Widow Pins
Due to the movement in Black Widow‘s release date, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings‘ release date will also be moving. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was previously set to be released in July. It has now been pushed back to a September 3rd release date. It is expected to have a traditional theatrical release at this time, according to Variety.
©Disney | Marvel Studios
This switch from a pure theatrical release to a simultaneous theatrical and Disney+ movie release for Black Widow is not entirely unexpected. In a recent interview, Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek noted that things are changing around how people want to see their movies. Chapek said, “People want to see movies the way they want to see them, when they want to see them, and how they want to see them.”
When asked about Black Widow specifically and whether a Disney+/theatrical simultaneous release could be utilized (like what was done with Raya and the Last Dragon), Chapek said that they were “waiting to see how theatergoers respond to theater reopenings” to make the decision and would “remain flexible.”
Black Widow Art
Chapek also noted that Disney would continue to watch consumer trends and make the call on the release of Black Widow “at the last minute.” And it seems like that “last minute”…is NOW.
Disney has a number of other upcoming releases scheduled for this year. Only time will tell if any of those movies ultimately end up using a similar strategy. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find.
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The post NEWS: Black Widow Coming to Theaters AND Disney+ After MORE Delays first appeared on the disney food blog.