News to smile about: ‘Frozen 2’ coming to Disney+ this Sunday, three months early
The world could use some “Frozen” Olaf laughs right now.
Amid the dire news and cancellations over the coronavirus outbreak, Walt Disney Studios announced some good news Friday. “Frozen 2” will be released this Sunday on streaming Disney+, three months earlier than scheduled.
“Frozen 2” features “powerful themes of perseverance and the importance of family, messages that are incredibly relevant during this time,” Bob Chapek, Walt Disney Company chief executive officer said in a statement highlighting the release.
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The move by Disney could presage how other media companies funnel their films to streaming services in the coming weeks as studios look for ways to capitalize on audiences stuck at home. And it could prove a pivotal moment in the evolution of streaming services in relation to theatrical release. The major studios have largely guarded the traditional three-month exclusive theatrical window.
“Frozen II” and its voice cast — including Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad —will arrive on Disney+ in the U.S. March 15 and in Canada, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand on March 17.
The musical made near $1.4 billion in worldwide box office following its November release.
The “Frozen II” news came during a brutal week for Hollywood’s movie releases. Disney’s entire slate of films, including “Mulan,” have had their theatrical releases postponed.
Disney also announced all live-action productions would be halted due to the coronavirus, following much of the industry.
In some countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands, the movie will start streaming Tuesday.
Disney+ is set to launch in most of Europe March 24. Disney’s glamorous launch party in London March 5 highlighting the streaming services’ arrival was supremely curtailed due to the coronavirus.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
