Indeed, the pandemic has only accelerated Hollywood’s interest in experimenting with release patterns for its feature films, and that flexibility is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.
While moviegoers could see “Quiet Place” and “Fast 9” only in theaters, most of the other new releases offered in the past month offered consumers multiple viewing options, clouding the ultimate success of these long-delayed movies. For example, Disney’s “Cruella” has made nearly $71 million since it opened on May 28, in addition to what it has earned on the company’s streaming service, Disney+, which charges viewers there an extra $30.
The movie business has high expectations for Marvel’s return to theaters, but “Black Widow,” starring Scarlett Johansson, will not be an exclusive theatrical release; it, too, will be available on Disney+ for an additional charge. In contrast, the Warner Bros. film “Space Jam: A New Legacy” will be free for consumers on HBO Max when it opens in theaters, similar to Universal’s “Boss Baby” sequel, which, in a rare twist for the studio, will release in theaters and for free on its streaming service, Peacock.
Are all these release strategies confusing to moviegoers?
Ms. Langley doesn’t think so. “Consumers definitely seem to be finding movies, whether it’s in a theater or on any one of the streamers,” she said. “I think the question becomes what it says about the impact that it has on the theatrical business.”
Mr. Gross says it’s all going to take some time to sort out.
“You don’t shut down a $42 billion business for 15 months, rearrange the pieces and expect it to be back to full strength in a month or two,” he said. “The effects of the pandemic will take some time to heal. The new normal is coming — it’s not here yet.”
Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/26/business/media/F9-fast-furious-film-movie-crowd.html
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