Walt Disney Studios has finally confirmed that all of their remaining 2021 films will officially debut only in theaters, with an exclusive 45-day theatrical run before releasing on Disney+. This announcement follows Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings‘ successful theatrical debut, which shattered Labor Day weekend records with a gross of over $75 million during its three-day opening weekend.
“Following the tremendous box office success of our summer films which included five of the top eight domestic releases of the year, we are excited to update our theatrical plans for the remainder of 2021,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (via Deadline). “As confidence in moviegoing continues to improve, we look forward to entertaining audiences in theaters, while maintaining the flexibility to give our Disney+ subscribers the gift of Encanto this holiday season.”
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There are five upcoming films that are set to get a 45-day exclusive theatrical run. This includes Marvel Studios’ final MCU film for this year, Eternals which debuts on November 5; Ridley Scott’s epic drama The Last Duel on October 15; the animated sci-fi film Ron’s Gone Wrong on October 22; Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film adaptation of the West Side Story on December 10; and the long-delayed prequel The King’s Man on December 22.
The only exception is Walt Disney Animations’ fantasy movie Encanto which has been slated for a much shorter exclusive theatrical run, starting on November 24. After 30 days, it will then make its Disney+ debut, just in time for Christmas eve.
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Based on Jack Kirby’s Marvel comics of the same name, Eternals welcomes an exciting new team of superheroes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao. The film will feature a star-studded ensemble including Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and more.
