Disney’s Mulan will not see big screen release, set for September streaming launch
- The film will launch simultaneously in theatres in territories such as China which do not have currently announced Disney+ launch plans
- Coronavirus is keeping cinemas shut across much of the US
Disney’s much-delayed blockbuster Mulan will skip the big screen and premiere on streaming platform Disney+ next month, it was announced Tuesday, as coronavirus keeps theatres shut across much of the United States.
The unprecedented decision – described by CEO Bob Chapek as a “one-off” for a Disney blockbuster – is the latest major blow for cinema chains already reeling from the pandemic.
Mulan, a mega-budget live action remake of the tale of a legendary Chinese warrior, will be available from September 4 in homes to Disney+ subscribers for an additional US$29.99.
“We see this as an opportunity to bring this incredible film to a broad audience currently unable to go to cinemas, while also further enhancing the value and attractiveness of a Disney+ subscription,” Chapek told an earnings call.
The film will launch simultaneously in theatres in territories such as China which do not have currently announced Disney+ launch plans.
The move comes as a second wave of US coronavirus cases stalls reopening plans for theatres in key markets such as New York and Los Angeles.
Before the pandemic, studios typically waited 90 days to release major films digitally after their theatrical openings.