Disney announced updates to its summer film release schedule today, including Disney+ premieres of Disney’s live-action “Cruella,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow,” and Disney and Pixar’s “Luca.”
“Cruella” and “Black Widow” will launch simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access in most markets. Look for “Cruella” on Friday, May 28 and “Black Widow” on Friday, July 9.
During Disney’s Q1 earnings call in February, Bob Chapek, CEO of Disney noted that giving the films same day streaming debuts was a possibility, saying that the company was remaining flexible with its plans. Chapek said the company would be paying attention to theater reopenings and moviegoer behaviors while making decisions about releases. In today’s announcement, Disney shared that the success of “Raya and The Last Dragon” through Premier Access helped them to make the decision.
“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.
Other titles with updated theatrical 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