Disney’s live-action Mulan is heading to Disney+, but it will cost extra
After months of playing chicken with Tenet, Disney’s live-action Mulan will forego a theatrical release and head to Disney+ — but it’ll cost subscribers extra.
Twenty-twenty has been a rough year for the film industry, and despite studios’ attempts to get films back in theaters, it hasn’t shown any signs of letting up. Warner Bros.’ Tenet and Disney’s live-action Mulan, two of the earliest blockbusters to be delayed due to COVID-19, have both had new release dates set multiple times this summer, only to be delayed indefinitely after it became clear that neither would be gracing the big screen until fall at the earliest.
And with no certainty about when movie theaters might be safe enough to open again, it looks like Disney has finally made the decision to forego a theatrical release for Mulan entirely. Instead, the studio announced that the film will head straight to its Disney+ streaming service — but there is a catch that has fans mixed on this VOD release strategy.
On top of a Disney+ subscription, those looking to watch Mulan when its released will need to pay $29.99 to do so. It’s a steeper price than most VOD options, and some fans have spoken adamantly against it, while others are happy to shell out the cash if it means they can watch new movies safely. (In places where Disney+ isn’t available, Mulan will still get a theatrical release, so … there’s that.)
I'm very sad I won't be able to see Mulan on the big screen this year, but I beg you to PLEASE pay to rent it on Disney+. Traditional release or not, the box office results will be PARAMOUNT in whether or not Disney/other studios invest in other Asian-led films. pic.twitter.com/MheLAIjT8W
— Olivia Truffaut-Wong (@iWatchiAm) August 4, 2020
There’s also been some disappointment regarding the fact that an action-packed, Asian-led film like Mulan won’t get its time to shine on the big screen, while other films still appear to be heading to theaters whenever they reopen.
Disney claims that this announcement isn’t symbolic of a new release model heading forward — but depending on how the health crisis continues to unravel, the studio could very well change its mind about that. Fans are already pushing for the studio to follow suit with Black Widow and The New Mutants. But after the controversy between major theater chains and Universal Pictures, making this a regular thing could be wading into murky waters….
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What do you think of Disney’s release strategy for Mulan? Will you be watching the film when it comes to Disney+? Share your thoughts in the comments below!