Disney executives will not be attending the National Association of Theatre Owners’ CinemaCon. This comes as the delta variant of COVID-19 continues to rage in Las Vegas where the event is located. The White House has deemed Las Vegas a “sustained hotspot” for COVID-19.
While Disney won’t be attending the annual event that is held at Caesars Palace, it will instead screen an upcoming movie instead.
The news that Disney executives won’t be attending CinemaCon comes about a week after National Association of Theatre Owners Spoke out against Disney’s release of Black Widow both in theaters and also on Disney+, it’s streaming service. It is unknown if this had any impact on Disney’s decision.
At this point, Disney is the only theater to pull out of CinemaCon. Other studios are still expected to be giving in-person presentations. However, it is also expected that fewer stars will be in attendance this year. Those in attendance are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the event. It isn’t known if Disney’s departure will lead to other studios doing the same.
Currently Los Angeles County, where The Walt Disney Company resides, is warning against travel to Las Vegas. The county is now requiring masks to be worn indoors. Las Vegas currently does not require any masks to be worn anywhere.
What do you think of Disney pulling out of CinemaCon? Do you think it is a good choice? Do you think other studios will follow their lead? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
