Disney, Warner Bros., Sony Halt All Upcoming Film Releases in Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

The Walt Disney Company will halt all future theatrical film releases in Russia following the launch of the country's invasion of Ukraine, which includes the upcoming Pixar film "Turning Red."

Hollywood has not been the most bullish about taking action that would dent its bottom line. Disney took a hard stance against Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine by pulling its theatrical releases from Russia temporarily. Disney is the first major Hollywood studio to do this.

"Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming 'Turning Red' from Pixar," Disney said in a statement Monday.

The company noted that they "will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation." Currently, Disney said it is collaborating with its NGO partners to provide refugees immediate aid and other humanitarian support considering the scale of the emerging refugee crises.

While ticket sales in Russia are not as significant as in China, the country remains a key market for Disney. Its Sony co-production, "Spider-Man: No Way Home," has grossed more than $50 million in the country.

According to Deadline, Disney has set the tone of an economic ban against a market that grossed more than $445 million last year and as much as $1.3 billion in 2013 per Box Office Mojo.

Disney and Pixar's "Turning Red" is skipping a theatrical release in the United States for a Disney+ release on March 11. For international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, Disney said the film will be premiering in theaters at a date yet to be announced.

Like Disney, Warner Bros. Also Halts Its Release of 'The Batman' in Russia

Warner Bros. announced Monday that it would also pause its release of Matt Reeves' "The Batman" in Russia, the Guardian reported.

"In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film, The Batman in Russia. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragedy." Warner Bros. said in a statement.

Sony Pictures also announced it would halt all its theatrical releases in Russia, including "Morbius," following Disney and Warner Bros. "Morbius" starred Jared Leto as the Marvel antihero and was set to open on March 24.

Amid Russia's escalating invasion of Ukraine, streaming giant Netflix noted that it would not comply with Russia's rules to carry news channels.

The law, which comes into effect in Russia on March 1, requires streaming services with more than 100,000 users daily to carry 20 major Russian federal TV channels, many of which broadcast Russian state propaganda.

A Netflix spokesperson told the Hollywood Reporter that they have no plans to add these channels to their service.

While the Motion Picture Association (MPA) has always provided foreign policy assistance to the major studios, the studios ultimately decide how to conduct their foreign affairs.

In a statement on Monday, the MPA said it "stands with the international community in upholding the rule of law and condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

Sports Organizations, Athletes Conduct Own Sanctions

Sports organizations and professional athletes are also imposing sanctions in Russia. The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has joined the Union of European Football Associations in banning Russian teams from tournaments until further notice, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The National Hockey League, which includes more than two dozen Russian-born hockey players, has also suspended contracts with Russian firms.

Meanwhile, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday recommended that the International Sports Federations and sports event organizers not allow or invite the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions following the breach of the "Olympic Truce" by the Russian government and the government of Belarus through its support in this.

In a statement, the IOC noted that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus should be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus.

"Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags or anthems should be displayed," it added.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Jess Smith

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