Disney unveils plans to stream a galaxy of new series, films
NEW YORK – The Walt Disney Co.’s streaming plans shifted into hyper speed Thursday, as the studio unveiled a galaxy’s worth of new streaming offerings including plans for 10 “Star Wars” series spinoffs and 10 Marvel series that will debut on Disney+. But Disney also kept its biggest films — including Marvel's “Black Widow," Pixar's “Luca,” a “Lion King” prequel — on course for theatrical release. Jenkins becomes the first woman to direct a “Star Wars” film. Among the “Star Wars” series are two spinoffs of “The Mandalorian,” set during the series' timeline: “Rangers of the New Republic” and “Ahsoka,” with Rosario Dawson. Seven Disney films topped $1 billion worldwide.
In seismic shift, Warner Bros. to stream all 2021 films
This image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Timothee Chalamet, left, and Rebecca Ferguson in a scene from the upcoming 2021 film "Dune." The move follows Warner Bros.' decision to put “Wonder Woman 1984” on HBO Max in December, along with a concurrent theatrical run. Warner Bros.' move amounts to an acknowledgement that any full rebound for theaters is still a year or more away. Warner Bros. confirmed the films will be available to subscribers with no further charge. After a rocky rollout, HBO Max said in October that nearly 9 million people were using HBO Max, though 29 million had access to the streaming service as part of their HBO subscriptions.
The pandemic is changing Hollywood, maybe forever
This combination photo shows Gal Gadot in a scene from the Warner Bros. Pictures film "Wonder Woman 1984," left, and Yifei Liu in a scene from Disney's "Mulan." A century later, during another pandemic, movies — quotes no longer necessary — are again facing a critical juncture. By streaming service, video-on-demand, virtual theater or actual theater, a steady diet of films have been released under COVID-19 every week. Yet until recently — with only a few exceptions — those haven’t been the big-budget spectacles Hollywood runs on. “Wonder Woman 1984” and “Soul” are essentially very expensive advertisements for those streaming services.