During Disney’s earning call today, CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that upcoming Marvel Studios flick Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and 20th Century’s Free Guy will both be receiving a 45-day theatrical window, before heading to Disney+.
Unlike closer releases such as Black Widow and Cruella, which Disney are releasing simultaneously in cinemas and on streaming service Disney+, Destin Daniel Cretton’s martial arts flick heading to theatres first signals a confidence in the return to cinemas.
90 days is usually the industry standard theatrical window for most releases, with Ryan Reynold’s upcoming comedy Free Guy also receiving the same release method.
“We’re pleased to see more encouraging signs of recovery across our businesses, and we remain focused on ramping up our operations while also fueling long-term growth for the Company,” said Chapek in a statement. “This is clearly reflected in the reopening of our theme parks and resorts, increased production at our studios, the continued success of our streaming services, and the expansion of our unrivaled portfolio of multiyear sports rights deals for ESPN and ESPN+.”
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings opens in cinemas on September 3, 2021.
