Disney became the first major Hollywood studio to pause its release at the Russian box office in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming Turning red from Pixar, “said a spokesman for Walt Disney Co. 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.
Turning red was scheduled to open on March 10 in Russia, which was fertile ground for the latest films about Hollywood events, including Sony films Spider-Man: No way home. The film has grossed more than $ 44.5 million to date in the country. Other upcoming Disney releases to be released in Russia include Dr. Strange in the multiverse of madness (May 5) and Light year (June 16).
After the initial publication of this story, WarnerMedia pulled The Batman since its upcoming release in Russia, while Hollywood studio executives are debating whether to download their upcoming films from Russia. Sony followed suit in the early hours of Monday night and said it would not release the film on Jared Leto Morbius in Russia at the end of March.
Over the weekend, a studio manager said THR“If the United States and its allies want to separate Russia from the rest of the world, then how will we continue to release our films there?” Another CEO added, “How can anyone advertise their films in state media right now in Russia?”
Other upcoming photos from the Hollywood event include Paramount’s The lost city and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Hollywood studios are likely to be affected by the European Union’s decision over the weekend to expel Russia from the global banking system SWIFT. Without SWIFT, studios may not be able to get money back from their Russian distribution partners.
On Monday night, the Film Association issued its first statement on the invasion. “The IPA supports the international community in upholding the rule of law and condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “On behalf of our member companies that run the film, television and streaming industries, we express our strongest support for the vibrant creative community in Ukraine, which, like all people, deserves to live and work in peace,” the statement said. .
Updated to note that The Batman’s Russia has been downloaded, as well as the MPA and Morbius statement.