Why Marvel Studios Doesn't Want To Release Movies On Disney+

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige explains why he is resistant to releasing Marvel movies like Black Widow on Disney+. After COVID hit in 2020, leading to worldwide theater closings and panic in the entertainment industry, studios had to start making hard choices about how to release their potential blockbuster films going forward.

Disney actually led the way in conceding to the realities of COVID, pulling planned summer movie Mulan from theaters and releasing it on their streaming service Disney+ at a premium price. Later, Warner Bros. followed suit by putting the delayed Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max at the same time they released it in theaters. WB will indeed continue with this model for the time being, giving similar day-and-date streaming and theatrical releases to Suicide Squad 2, The Matrix 4 and other upcoming movies. Meanwhile, Marvel continues to hold out against the new streaming-plus-theatrical model, as they still plan to put out Black Widow in theaters with no simultaneous streaming option.

Indeed Marvel Studios chief Feige has been adamant when it comes to his insistence that the theatrical experience be preserved for fans of the MCU. When asked about being so vigilant when it comes to assuring Marvel movies continue being released in theaters despite the new reality, Feige told Variety:

It’s impossible [not to be, when you] go to opening night to 23 movies, in packed movie houses, and seeing the moviegoers’ reaction. That’s what drives us creatively as we make all of these, certainly culminating in “Avengers: Endgame” and “Far From Home.” There’s nothing better than that, and we don’t want to lose it. I’m hoping we don’t have to. If there is nowhere else to put those movies, that’s another conversation, but I’m encouraged by the theaters holding on. Also, what’s happening overseas in countries where [the pandemic] is more under control. Guess what? It’s human nature to want to get together and have an experience. That’s continuing in very big ways in countries where they are able.

The overseas market is of course a big deal for Marvel as their movies do very well in other countries, particularly China. No doubt this is a big business-related reason why Feige and Marvel Studios remain committed to putting their movies out in theaters even with the streaming option available. As for Feige’s remarks about wanting to preserve the theatrical experience because “there’s nothing better,” no doubt this emotional factor also plays into his thinking. However, it’s telling that in his remarks he concedes the possibility that there soon may be “nowhere else to put those movies,” so Disney+ will have to become the primary means of distribution.

Of course Disney+ already is the means of distribution for a big chunk of Marvel Studios output, including the huge hit show WandaVision, and upcoming shows like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, She-Hulk and others. Given that the MCU has already arrived on Disney+, it perhaps seems like less of a big deal to shrink the distinction between big and small screen further by releasing movies like Black Widow on streaming. On the other hand, the sheer spectacle of a true Marvel movie is clearly still best appreciated on the biggest screen possible, a fact Feige obviously appreciates. Unfortunately, it seems reality is rushing to catch up with Feige’s very sentimental attachment to theaters. It remains to be seen if audiences will be ready to return with Feige to the multiplex this summer to enjoy films like Black Widow, or if the theatrical experience is truly dead.

More: How To Watch Every MCU Movie Online

Source: Variety