Early 2021 is not looking much different from 2020 for movies so far, especially after anew delay for 007’sNo Time to Diehas just set off a wave of most movie studios doing the same. Of course, included among those isDisneyas one of the biggest players in the industry. Even the House of Mouse has now had to delay films includingThe King’s Man,Bob’s Burgers,and Guillermo Del Toro’sAntlers.
Disneyhas a big year ahead encompassing not only their previously planned 2020 releases but also some films which were scheduled for this year prior to the pandemic messing up the roadmap. On top of that, the existence of Disney Plus means that the studio always has the option of taking any of its productions or those owned by 20th Century Fox or Searchlight Pictures straight to streaming just like it did for Pixar’sSoullast Christmas.
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There is still not any information that might suggest there are further plans for streaming any of the delayed films on Disney Plus rather than releasing them in theaters. TheBob’s Burgersmovie was hit particularly hard by this news as showrunner Loren Bouchard has strongly pushed for a theatrical release for the Belcher family and the animated film now lacks any prospective dates for its premiere.
As for the rest of the films,The King’s Manis now being moved from March 12 to August 20; Del Toro’sAntlersandNightmare Alleyto October 29 and December 3, respectively; and finallyThe Eyes of Tammy Fayeshould land in theaters on September 24. The announcement did not include other high profile movies likeBlack WidoworRaya and the Last Dragon.
From a strategic standpoint, Disney seems to be shying away from touching any movies until it’s deemed absolutely necessary, especially those with big budgets or almost guaranteed blockbuster potential like their Marvel exclusives.For example,Raya and the Last Dragonis less than two months away, a date that is already deemed unrealistic by other studios.
With such extreme measures being taken, liketheUnchartedmovie getting pushed backall the way to early 2022, there will likely be more delays on the way from Disney or even some unexpected film arrivals that might drive up even better numbers for Disney Plus.
