The superheroes of Avengers: Age of Ultron won’t be re-assembling at a number of German theaters due to a tiff with Disney.
According to German publication Deutsche Welle, independent movie theater owners in Germany, who control almost 700 screens, are boycotting Disney-Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron as a protest against what they see as punitive booking terms. The film debuted to a massive $201.2 million across 44 international territories this weekend.
The German theaters claim that Disney raised its rental fee from 47.7 per cent to 53 per cent of ticket sales, according to broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Disney has also cut its contribution to advertising, and done away with advances for 3D glasses.
The indie exhibitors, most of whom own theaters in smaller towns, claim that the cost of digitisation as well as rising staff and marketing costs may force some of them out of business.
Karl-Heinz Meier, a spokesperson for advocacy group I.G. Nord, shed some light on why the theaters are boycotting. He said: “We are worried – particularly about eastern Germany. When prices go up, then we have a serious problem that could force movie theaters to close.”
There is speculation on the new ‘Star Wars’ film as well which is coming out at the end of the year. As pundits claim that unless Disney manages its distribution – things could well get out of hand.
It’s not the first time that cinemas in Germany have boycotted a release. In 2003, 200 cinemas refused to show Hulk after a similar rise in fees. Despite the protest, Avengers: Age of Ultron managed a strong start in Germany over the weekend with a $9.5 million opening figures.
