Disney just released a HUGE amount of entertainment news that detailed how theaters and streaming services would be handling upcoming big releases.
Black Widow and Cruella will be released in both theaters and on Disney+, while Luca make its debut exclusively on streaming services. Recently, Raya and the Dragon also went down the same road, making a lukewarm box office appeal compared to past Disney films in theaters. Still, the revenue is still a clear success for theaters in a pandemic world.
Yet, many fans are wondering why Disney has been releasing some of its biggest films with HUGE budgets on streaming services. Wouldn’t they lose out on revenue, you ask? Well, it’s not as clear cut as that.
When all of the theme parks were closed, Disney+ carved out a name for itself as a primary source of at-home entertainment. The streaming service kept Disney afloat in a chaotic time, garnering in more subscribers than expected. CNN has reported that Disney+ has even surpassed 100 million subscribers earlier this month!
In order to appease current subscribers and attract new ones, Disney has to continue adding popular content that draws viewers to the streaming service. Along with Luca, the live-action remakes of Peter Pan and Wendy and Pinocchio will also be Disney+ exclusives.
Even if the movie theater’s box office numbers for Disney films haven’t been extraordinary, Disney is basically making double the revenue on their releases. When film arrive on Disney+ and in theaters, at-home viewing may cost $30 for Premier Access as subscribers catch a film from the comfort of their couches. So, they’re almost having a separate box office that doesn’t actually have to be reported!
The numbers usually don’t matter as much for streaming services as the viewership metrics are kept under wraps. By pulling more people into watching films like Black Widow, Disney+’s numbers still continue to increase without a focus of how many people actually watched the film. Disney’s stocks have been on the rise, mostly thanks to streaming services.
Moving forward, though, Disney will decide which movies will debut on Disney+ on a “case by case basis.” The company has more flexibility with input about what viewers prefer. And, we’ll be keeping you updated on the plans for upcoming premieres soon! Stay tuned with All Ears for more Disney news!
Will Disney entertainment ever be the same after streaming services?
What Disney films are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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No movie is worth $30. Period. And I am a huge movie fan. Movies are meant to be seen in theaters. I don’t think a movie released streaming should be considered for an Oscar. I’m a SAG member and have seen all the movies this year streamed. None completely impressed me. I think part of it was the lack of the theater experience. I will be fully vaccinated when Black Widow is released.
That will be my first time back in a theater. Would never consider watching that film on tv.
$30 for an individual going to the theater, I agree. You must be a loner because $30 for a family of four is far below what one would expect to pay (not including the popcorn!).
Nothing streaming this year was worth an Oscar because no studio wanted to release anything worth a darn to a streaming service. They were hoping for a return to normalcy. Doesn’t look that’s happening soon.
You can bet the major studios have considered this the best way to make money. No way would they go the streaming service route if it cut into their bottom line.
Well, you can’t say “nothing” streaming this year was worthy of an Oscar, because the movie Soul went direct to streaming and didn’t require Premier Access … unless you’re being literal when you say “this year” since Soul was released in December. Even so, it’s nominated for THIS year’s Oscars.
I’m going to take a few days to think about it.