Disney plans same-day theater, online release of ‘Black Widow’

Walt Disney Co. delayed the release of five new films and said "Black Widow” and "Cruella,” two of its most anticipated new movies, will be available on its streaming service the same day they hit theaters.

"Black Widow,” which features Scarlett Johansson as the Russian-born spy and martial artist, will debut on Disney+ and in theaters on July 9, the company said Tuesday. "Cruella” will be released May 28 in theaters and online. Both films will be available to Disney+ subscribers for an additional fee. The decision looks to be a blow for theater operators, which are trying to claw their way back from a long period of closings due to the coronavirus and will have to share two of the year’s biggest movies with online audiences.