From Bloodshot to The Invisible Man, here’s every movie that has been released on-demand early as a result of fallout from the coronavirus outbreak. In typical circumstances, films tend to become available for digital purchase roughly three months after first arriving in theaters. Digital rentals and physical media purchases follow two weeks later. Of course, the current circumstances around the globe are far from typical. Major blockbusters like No Time to Die and Black Widow have been delayed, with moviegoers being advised to stay away from large gatherings in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. Major industries, from television to professional wrestling, to popular theme parks have experienced disruptions as a result of the global crisis. In the case of major movie theaters, the damage has already been quite noticeable.
AMC, Cinemark, Alamo Drafthouse, and other chains have closed their doors indefinitely. All over the world, from Europe to countries in the Middle East, not to mention the major market of China, cinemas have also temporarily been shuttered. With the National Association of Theatre Owners turning to the government for an emergency bailout, and historic lows constituting the most recent box office numbers, studios have been forced to confront the question of how to get their new features in front of an audiences at a time when the general public has been strongly urged to stay home as much as possible.
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Some studios have responded, so far, by releasing some of their biggest movie to video-on-demand much earlier than expected. This has naturally led to speculation about whether or not the move could lead to a new way of distributing films, cutting out the need to purchase a ticket at the local multiplex. While that certainly might be a feasible option for the future, particularly in the case of mid-tier movies, experts say it’s unlikely that big tent projects will bypass a theatrical release. Studios rely on ticket sales to make back, and even exceed, the money they pour into their biggest franchises. There is also the issue of online piracy, which would have to be grappled with.
At least for now, however, it won’t be unusual to see some anticipated features released to streaming or VOD services earlier than expected. It’s already happened with some big franchises. Here’s every movie that has been released early on-demand in response to fallout from the coronavirus epidemic.
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker
Directed by J.J. Abrams, the third installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy followed the trio of Rey, Finn, and Poe as they led the Resistance’s final stand against Kylo Ren and the First Order. The film, which features a posthumous appearance by Carrie Fisher, was released in December 2019. The Rise of Skywalker has exceeded over $1 billion at the worldwide box office, though it earned a mixed and often divisive response from devotees of the Star Wars universe. It was released digitally on March 13, but was originally planned for March 17.
Frozen 2
The highest grossing animated film of all time, the sequel to Frozen saw Elsa and Anna embark on a journey with the goal of discovering the root of Elsa’s magical powers and saving their kingdom of Arendelle. Featuring an all-star voice cast that includes Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Sterling K. Brown, and Evan Rachel Wood, Frozen 2 was originally set to hit the Disney+ streaming service on June 26. Much to the delight of parents with children at home, the animated hit was instead made available to stream starting on March 15 in the United States. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Netherlands gained the ability to stream the title two days later.
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Just Mercy
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, with supporting turns from the likes of Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson, Just Mercy tells the true story of famed attorney and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson. Specifically, Cretton’s film focuses on Stevenson’s work as a young lawyer to overturn the wrongful murder conviction of Walter McMillian. Originally scheduled for March 24, it is available digitally as of March 17.
The Invisible Man
A modern take of the novel by H.G Wells, as well as a reboot of the 1930s Invisible Man movie series, Leigh Whannell’s film stars Elizabeth Moss as a woman who believes she’s being stalked by an abusive ex-boyfriend. The Invisible Man is one of several Universal features that arguably kicked off the trend of early releases. It’s available on demand as of March 20 in the U.S., and in international markets, to rent for the price of $19.99. The Invisible Man could prove to be a popular rental choice, since it’s gotten great reviews and performed well above expectations at the box office.
The Hunt
Universal’s highly-controversial political thriller The Hunt has already experienced a high-profile setback. Although The Hunt was met with negative reviews, the seemingly topical premise might garner interest. It also features performances from Betty Gilpin, of GLOW, and This Is Us lead Justin Hartley. The Hunt will be available starting from March 20, for the same price as The Invisible Man.
Emma.
A reimagined adaptation of the similarly-named Jane Austen novel, Emma is led by Anya Taylor-Joy who plays a young woman that can’t resist meddling in the lives of her friends. The critically-acclaimed dramedy can also be rented as of March 20.
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The Gentlemen
A blend of action and comedy, The Gentlemen is the latest film to be written and directed by Guy Ritchie. It follows an American marijuana kingpin who faces unexpected hurdles in England as he looks to sell his business. It will be available to rent on-demand starting March 24.
Harley Quinn: Birds Of Prey
In a move which was praised by director Cathy Yan, and with an awesome trailer to boot, Birds of Prey’s release has been moved up. It will now be available months ahead of the original plan, for digital purchase on March 24 and for rent starting on April 7. The eighth film in the DC Extended Universe features Margot Robbie in the title role, portraying Harley Quinn as she unites with Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to defeat an evil crime lord.
Bloodshot
Vin Diesel’s new film from Sony’s Columbia Pictures is based on the Valiant Comics character of the same name, centering around a nanotechnologically-enhanced solider who is manipulated into carrying out assassinations. Bloodshot hit theaters just as the realities of the coronavirus outbreak were becoming hard to ignore. It will now be available, for that familiar fee of $19.99, starting March 24.
Trolls: World Tour
An animated musical comedy, Trolls: World Tour is a sequel which boasts an ensemble voice cast including Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, James Corden, and Kelly Clarkson. It will be out for digital rental on April 10. It was originally supposed to release in theaters early, but now that theaters have closed down, it’s receiving a straight-to-video release instead.
Source: Screenrant, by ABDULLAH AL-GHAMDI