In the wake of the Ukraine crisis, The Walt Disney Company announced that they are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia. Pixar’s animated film Turning Red will also not have a theatrical release in Russia for now.
“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming Turning Red from Pixar. We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation. In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees,” a spokesperson for The Walt Disney Company said in a statement.
As per a BBC report, Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures have also delayed the release of their upcoming films in the country due to the ongoing crisis.
The report quotes a BBC spokesperson saying, “In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film The Batman in Russia.”
Warner Bros.’ upcoming blockbuster film The Batman was supposed to be released in Russia on 4 March. After Turning Red and The Batman, Marvel adaptation Morbius by Sony Pictures will also not be released there in the current situation.
According to the BBC news report, a spokesperson for Sony said, “Given the ongoing military action in Ukraine and the resulting uncertainty and humanitarian crisis unfolding in that region, we will be pausing our planned theatrical releases in Russia.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted and hope this crisis will be resolved quickly,” they added.