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The pandemic has come to a lot of changes for the Walt Disney Company, and movie releases have been a big one! We have been able to see how Disney has tried to problem-solve releasing big-budget theatrical films to an audience who is not able to go to a theater, and now, it seems a decision has been made for Luca!
The latest Pixar film has been a popular discussion topic for quite some time now, as Disney fans are excited to see it but unsure how. Disney has had a few options for their films as of late. They can either put them in theaters exclusively (although many remain closed worldwide), add them to Disney+ on Premier Access for an added fee as we saw with Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon, or they can strictly release the film for “free” to Disney+ users at no additional charge as they did with Soul.
Now, it seems that Disney is planning to give Disney+ users another treat, releasing Luca directly to Disney+ with no added fee on June 18.
Disney said the following in an official press release:
Similar to the launch of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-nominated “Soul” that delighted Disney+ subscribers during the holidays, Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” will stream directly in homes worldwide exclusively on Disney+ beginning Friday, June 18, as a special offering to kick-off the summer season. In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, the film will be released theatrically, with premiere dates to be announced.
This news came at the same time as the announcement of Disney’s decision to theatrically release both Cruella and Black Widow as well as give them a Premier Access debut on Disney+ for an added $30.00 fee. Therefore, even if fans do not yet feel comfortable seeing the new live-action or Marvel film in theaters, they can still re-create the experience in their own home.
For Disney and Pixar fans, the free release of Luca is spectacular news because it is yet another added perk to having a Disney+ membership, and during these tough times where many are choosing to stay in, it gives Disney lovers something to look forward to at no added cost.
As mentioned, Disney published a press release for their upcoming lineup of films (including Black Widow and Cruella), which stated the following:
“Today’s announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences. By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.
Following the successful release of “Raya and The Last Dragon,” the highly anticipated live-action film “Cruella” and Marvel Studios’ long-awaited “Black Widow” will launch simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access in most Disney+ markets on Friday, May 28 and on Friday, July 9, respectively.
Similar to the launch of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-nominated “Soul” that delighted Disney+ subscribers during the holidays, Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” will stream directly in homes worldwide exclusively on Disney+ beginning Friday, June 18, as a special offering to kick-off the summer season. In international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, the film will be released theatrically, with premiere dates to be announced.
Theatrical release dates also shifted for several additional upcoming films. New release dates include:
“Free Guy” on August 13, 2021
“Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” on September 3, 2021
“The King’s Man” on December 22, 2021
“Deep Water” on January 14, 2022
“Death on the Nile” on February 11, 2022
For those wondering what Luca is about, the official film synopsis reads:
A young boy experiences an unforgettable seaside summer on the Italian Riviera filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: he is a sea monster from another world just below the ocean’s surface.
Do you want movies to return to theaters, or do you not mind watching them on Disney+? Do you plan to watch Luca as soon as it releases on Disney+ at no additional cost?