Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution Announces Updated Summer Film Schedule and Additional Date Shifts

Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) has announced updates to its film release schedule for Summer 2021 and upcoming seasons.

“Today’s announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences. By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution.

Despite the fact that several prominent theater chains didn’t show Raya and the Last Dragon, it still managed to capture the top spot when it opened exclusively through Premier Access on Disney+ on March 5th. According to Box Office Mojo, it opened at $8,502,498 domestically. Raya’s successful performance so far has inspired more Disney+ tie-ins.

Disney’s upcoming live-action film Cruella will open in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access on Friday, May 28th
Marvel Studios’ Black Widow will follow on Friday, July 9th

Disney and Pixar’s upcoming animated feature film Luca, will also be available to ALL Disney+ subscribers starting Friday, June 18th as a special kick-off to the summer season. International dates have not been announced yet.

Additional release shifts include:

Free Guy to August 13, 2021
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to September 3, 2021
The King’s Man to December 22, 2021
Deep Water to January 14, 2022
Death on the Nile to February 11, 2022

Here’s the complete updated roll out for Disney’s 2021 slate:

Disney – Cruella – Friday, May 28th
Disney – Black Widow – Friday, July 9th
Searchlight – The Night House – Friday, July 16th
Disney – Jungle Cruise – Friday, July 30th
20th – Free Guy – Friday, August 13th
Disney – The Beatles: Get Back – Friday, August 27th
Disney – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Friday, September 3rd
Searchlight – The Eyes of Tammy Faye (Limited) – Friday, September 24th
20th – The Last Duel – Friday, October 15th
20th – Ron’s Gone Wrong – Friday, October 22nd
Searchlight – Antlers – Friday, October 29th
Disney – Eternals – Friday, November 5th
Disney – Encanto – Wednesday, November 24th
Searchlight – Nightmare Alley (Limited) – Friday, December 3rd
20th – West Side Story – Friday, December 10th
20th – The King’s Man – Wednesday, December 22nd