The Walt Disney Company will not be releasing movies in Russia as the crisis in Ukraine continues on. In a statement released on Monday night, Disney shared that it would be pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia. On top of that, Disney is also working with nonprofits to help with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Disney released this statement on Monday night:
“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. We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation. In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.”
The move by Disney comes as the heartbreaking crisis in Ukraine continues to escalate. This week representatives from Ukraine and Russia met to discuss a resolution to the conflict. While the negotiations took place, Russia continued its unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
Disney has several movies that would have been set to release this year in Russia. This includes Pixar’s upcoming Lightyear and Marvel Studios Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Disney is one of the largest entertainment companies in the world and this move could lead other studios to halt their releases in Russia as well. While Russia isn’t the largest movie market in comparison to the United States or China, the halting of releases does make a statement.
What do you think of Disney halting releases in Russia? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
