UK cinema owners say they were shocked and frustrated by Tuesday’s announcement that Disney is taking Mulan directly to Disney+ and avoiding a theatrical release entirely in any country where the service has launched.
After Warner Bros’ Tenet, the Disney pic was seen as a potential saviour for cinemas as they try to get back to business in a meaningful way following the punishing lockdown. As venues have tentatively re-opened, with the UK now having close to 40% of cinemas open, a big-ticket release is seen as essential for giving the public the motivation to venture back through their doors.
Mulan dropped off the calendar last month, which was worrying enough, but exhibitors are saying today their worst fears have been realized by the news that the movie will bypass theaters entirely when it debuts online September 4.
Source:https://deadline.com/2020/08/uk-cinema-owners-blindsided-disney-mulan-decision-1203004622/