Warner Bros. stopped launching Batman in Russia just days before it opened in theaters there as Hollywood moved to suspend plans to expand in the country following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Warner Bros., Walt Disney Co. and Sony Pictures said Monday they would “pause” the release of their films in Russia. Each studio has significant upcoming releases that were set to debut internationally in the coming weeks.
Batman, one of the most anticipated films of the year, launches on Friday in North America and many overseas territories, including Russia.
“In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia has suspended the release of its feature film Batman in Russia,” a studio spokesman said in a statement.
“We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops. We hope for a speedy and peaceful resolution of this tragedy. “
The move by Warner Bros. closely followed a similar decision Monday by Walt Disney Co.
The studio planned to open the Pixar Turning Red film in Russia on March 10. This movie goes straight to Disney + in the US.
Warner Bros. was expected before Disney was announced. to continue with the Russian version of The Batman.
“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are suspending the release of theatrical films in Russia, including Pixar’s forthcoming Turning Red,” a Disney spokesman said in a statement.
“We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation. In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide emergency and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.
Late Monday, Hollywood shifted to confused plans in Russia as global pressure intensified to sever business ties with the country over the war in Ukraine. Western economic sanctions led to a sharp fall in the Russian ruble on Monday as many nations took steps to block Russian banks.
On Saturday, the Ukrainian Film Academy called for an international boycott of the Russian film industry.
The Film Association (MPA) said Monday that it “stands by the international community to uphold the rule of law and condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
“On behalf of our member companies, which run the film, television and streaming industries, we express our strongest support for the vibrant creative community of Ukraine, which, like all people, deserves to live and work in peace,” the statement said. MPA statement.
Russia is not the leading market for Hollywood, but the country usually ranks in the top dozen countries in the world in terms of box office.
Sony Spider-Man’s recent hit: No Way Home, which grossed $ 1.85 billion in worldwide ticket sales, grossed $ 46.7 million in Russia.
Sony’s latest release, Tom Holland adventure Uncharted, has grossed about $ 20 million in Russia in the last two weeks.
After Disney and Warner Bros. made their announcements, Sony followed suit.
“Given the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and the resulting uncertainty and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, we will pause our planned theatrical performances in Russia, including the forthcoming edition of Morbius,” Sony said in a statement. of Spider- The opening of the men’s spinoff in early April.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected, and we hope that this crisis will be resolved quickly.