Disney continues tinkering with release window with Shang-Chi, Free Guy
With vaccinations becoming more readily available, studios are still trying to figure out the best approach for their films. The 2020 approach was to just go with an extended delay and hope for the best while others went with a duel theatrical/streaming release method.
Disney has gone several routes. Films like Mulan got a premium release with a $29 fee for Disney+ subscribers before a wide, free release. Other films like Soul had a general, none-exclusive release available to all subscribers. The long-awaited Black Widow will have a same day release for the theatrical and streaming release with the $29 charge. Ditto for Jungle Cruise and Cruella.
Still trying to nail down the ideal format, Disney is giving Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings and Free Guy an exclusive 45-day theatrical window before arriving on Disney+
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CEO Bob Chapek didn’t offer details if Shang-Chi and Free Guy will air on Disney+ with the additional fee during Thursday’s earnings call.
Shang-Chi debuts Sept. 3 while Ryan Reynolds’ Free Guy opens Aug. 13. Typically films are in theaters for 90-days before ending their run and then there’s another four to five months before a home video release.
This will prove an interesting test for Shang-Chi as Marvel Cinematic Universe films tend to have some form of spoilers whether based on a key debut, cameo or some shocking twist. To avoid having a big scene ruined would more audience members be more eager to head to theaters for an MCU big screen experience?
What do you think? Ready to start getting back to theaters and does the special exclusive theatrical window sell you on returning to see Shang-Chi early?
Don’t forget you can already grab Shang-Chi Marvel Legends figures on Amazon.