Disney backs theatrical releases for remaining 2021 films

After endless disruption due to the pandemic and the super-charged growth of streaming services, moviegoing may be going back to something a little like normal

NEW YORK -- After endless disruption due to the pandemic and the super-charged growth of streaming services, moviegoing may be going back to something a little like normal. The Walt Disney Co. on Friday announced that all of its remaining films this year will open exclusively in theaters. That includes the Marvel release “Eternals" (Nov. 5), Ridley Scott's “The Last Duel” (Oct. 15), the animated release “Ron's Gone Wrong” (Oct. 22), Steven Spielberg's “West Side Story" (Dec. 10) and the Kingsman sequel “The King's Man” (Dec. 22). All of the films will have a minimum run of 45 days in theaters before streaming. The animated fantasy “Encanto” (Nov. 24) will head to Disney+ after 30 days. Disney's move comes after a year in which the studio, with a few notable exceptions like the recent hit “Free Guy,” premiered many of its releases both in theaters and on Disney+ in so-called “day and date” releases. That included the Marvel movie “Black Widow,” after which star Scarlett Johansson sued Disney, alleging the day-and-date approach breached her contract and deprived her of potential earnings. Disney has said the release complied with Johansson’s contract and called the suit without merit.