Disney will release three Pixar films on streaming platforms in theaters

Disney is answering the call of animation enthusiasts and film aficionados alike by finally granting a theatrical release to three Pixar movies that were originally sent straight to Disney+ during the pandemic. “Soul,” “Turning Red,” and “Luca” are set to hit theaters in early 2024, offering audiences the opportunity to experience these animated gems on the big screen, as originally intended. Tickets for these highly anticipated theatrical releases will be available for purchase starting Jan. 2.

The decision to debut these films in theaters comes after a period of uncertainty and questions raised about Disney’s strategy of bypassing traditional theatrical runs for these Pixar releases. Initially sent straight to Disney+ during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, these movies missed out on the traditional cinematic experience, raising concerns among fans and even some Pixar employees who felt their work was not getting the recognition it deserved.

“Soul,” which became the first Pixar film to debut on Disney+ in 2020, marked a departure from the studio’s usual theatrical releases. The subsequent decisions to send “Luca” and “Turning Red” directly to the streaming platform further fueled discussions about Disney’s approach to releasing Pixar content. Notably, other Disney animated features, such as “Encanto” and “Raya and the Last Dragon,” received theatrical releases or simultaneous debuts in theaters and on Disney+ for a premium fee.

The move to release “Soul,” “Turning Red,” and “Luca” in theaters aims to rectify this divergence from the traditional Pixar release strategy. Disney emphasizes that families will now have the opportunity to enjoy these acclaimed films “the way they were meant to be seen.” This decision aligns with the sentiments expressed by some Pixar employees who wanted their movies to reach as many people as possible, fostering a connection with audiences that goes beyond the confines of home streaming.

The release schedule for the theatrical runs is strategically planned, with “Soul” premiering on Jan. 12, “Turning Red” following on Feb. 9, and “Luca” rounding out the trio on March 22. This chronological order leads up to Pixar’s next release, “Inside Out 2,” set to hit theaters on June 14. Pixar’s tradition of accompanying releases with a short film will continue with each of these theatrical debuts.

Despite the success of these films on Disney+, questions lingered about whether the absence of a traditional theatrical release had influenced audience behaviors. Pixar’s subsequent theatrical release, “Lightyear,” the Toy Story spinoff in 2022, opened to a healthy $50 million domestically. However, the film’s performance over the long term raised questions about whether Disney had inadvertently conditioned audiences to prioritize streaming over the theatrical experience.

Pixar’s subsequent release, “Elemental,” initially faced a soft opening with $29.6 million domestically. Critics and analysts labeled it a potential flop, but the film exhibited surprising resilience, ultimately grossing a healthy domestic total of $154.4 million. This demonstrated that family audiences still value the theater experience, especially when movies are given extended runs on the big screen.

Director Peter Sohn, whose film “Elemental” initially faced challenges at the box office, expressed initial heartbreak but later observed a positive trend. Families gradually returned to theaters, suggesting that Pixar films still possess the timeless appeal to bring people together.

The decision to release “Soul,” “Turning Red,” and “Luca” in theaters is not only a response to fan expectations but also a strategic move for Disney, which has faced challenges in 2023. The company experienced a decline, and 2023 marked the first time in nearly a decade that Disney did not produce a $1 billion movie, excluding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. CEO Bob Iger acknowledged the company’s shortcomings, citing a focus on quantity over quality and expressing regret about including strong messages in recent films.

As these Pixar releases return to theaters, Disney hopes to recapture the box office revenue that was missed during their initial releases. The opportunity for families and audiences to experience these films in theaters may not only reaffirm the enduring appeal of Pixar storytelling but also serve as a testament to the value of the theatrical experience.

In summary, Disney’s decision to grant a theatrical release to “Soul,” “Turning Red,” and “Luca” signifies a return to traditional release strategies for Pixar films. This move not only addresses concerns raised by fans and Pixar employees but also aligns with Disney’s broader efforts to revitalize its performance at the box office. The chronological release schedule leading up to “Inside Out 2” and the continuation of the Pixar tradition of pairing releases with short films further contribute to the significance of this theatrical comeback for these beloved animated features.

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