In today’s first quarter earnings conference call, Disney was asked about strategy when it comes to when and how to launch new titles. Bob Chapek, Disney’s CEO, responded by saying that the company remains flexible with its plans.
Chapek noted that there are three distinct strategies when it comes to launching Disney titles. Some will skip theaters and go directly to streaming on Disney + as we saw in “Soul”, released on Christmas Day. Others will be released in theaters. And others will be available to Disney + subscribers through Premier Access simultaneously with theatrical releases, as we saw with “Mulan”.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” will be the next film to be available with Premier Access. The film is scheduled to premiere on March 5, 2021 and will cost $ 29.99 in addition to the normal cost of a Disney + subscription.
When it comes to Black Widow, Chapek again used “flexible” work, confirming that Disney is still planning a theatrical release on May 7, but will be closely watching theater reopenings and viewers’ behavior to decide whether that plan needs to be revised.
Disney is likely to wait to see “Raya” perform with Premier Access before making a final decision on “Black Widow”.
While Disney hopes that theatrical releases will be a possibility later this year, there will be no shortage of content going straight to Disney +.
“We will be adding something new to the service every week,” Christine McCarthy, Disney CFO, reiterated during the call.
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Jess Barnes