Disney’s “Black Widow” decision is a huge blow to a desperate theater industry

Things were looking good for movie theaters. The vaccine rollout in the US was speeding up, cinemas were finally reopening in major markets like New York and Los Angeles, and Hollywood studios were holding firm on their late spring release dates. But then Disney dropped a super-sized bummer on the industry right when it thought it was turning a corner.

The release of Black Widow, the upcoming big-budget Marvel superhero movie, is moving from May 7 to July 9, Disney announced yesterday. Not only is its theatrical release delayed (again), but, in another blow to theaters, it will also be available on Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, for a $30 rental fee on the same day it comes out in theaters.

In a statement, Kareem Daniel, Disney’s head of distribution, said the decision “reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences.”

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