Deadline reports Disney may opt to forego the theatrical release of the live-action Mulan according to Wall Street analyst Michael Nathanson.
As The Walt Disney Company begins its recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic, the live-action adaptation of the animated classic Mulan remains dated for July 24. The film was originally slated to hit theaters in March but was pushed back due to the global outbreak and Disney may now “kill” the film’s theatrical release entirely.
Should the film maintain its theatrical release and manage to cross the $500 million mark at the box office, half of what many of Disney’s tentpole releases grossed in 2019, “it will be a freakin’ home run,” the MoffettNathanson partner said during a conference call with Craig Moffett and Nick Del Deo regarding the global health crisis’ impact on media companies on Friday.
Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Chapek claimed that the film’s theatrical release would be manageable with the weekend box office taking the brunt of the hit due to reduced capacity and social distancing guidelines mandated by the CDC. But Nathanson speculates given Univeral’s success with Trolls World Tour, a straight to on-demand release is much more likely.
“I don’t think it’s a given that Mulan‘s going to be released as we think,” Nathanson said. He also suggested Labor Day as a potential release window for the live-action film’s debut on Disney Plus, the studio’s direct to consumer streaming service which is gearing up to release Artemis Fowl on June 12, the studio’s first film originally intended for theaters that has since been pushed to a digital release due to the pandemic.
But what do you think? Are you hoping to catch Disney’s Mulan in theaters? Or would you rather enjoy the film from the safety of your own home? Let us know in the comments below!
Disney’s live-action Mulan stars Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Yoson An, Gong Li, Jimmy Wong, Tzi Ma, and Jet Lee. Here’s the official synopsis:
When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.
Mulan is expected to arrive in theaters on July 24, 2020. Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for the latest news on Disney’s Mulan as we learn it and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content in the future!
Source: Deadline
