Warner Bros, the Walt Disney Co, and Sony Pictures said on Monday that they would “pause” the release of their films in Russia. Each studio has significant upcoming releases that had been set to debut internationally in the coming weeks.
The Batman, one of the year’s most anticipated films, launches Friday in North America and many overseas territories, including Russia.
“In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film ‘The Batman’ in Russia,” a spokesperson for the studio said in a statement.
“We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragedy.”
Warner Bros’ move closely followed a similar decision Monday by the Walt Disney Co.
The studio had planned to open the Pixar film Turning Red in Russia on March 10. That film is going straight to Disney+ in the US.
Before Disney’s announcement, Warner Bros. had been expected to proceed with the Russian release of The Batman.
“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,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement.
“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.”
Late Monday, Hollywood moved to scramble plans in Russia, as global pressure mounted to sever business ties with the country over the war in Ukraine. Western economic sanctions sent Russia’s ruble plummeting on Monday as numerous nations moved to block Russian banks.
On Saturday, the Ukrainian Film Academy called for an international boycott of the Russian film industry.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) said on Monday that it “stands with the international community in upholding the rule of law and condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.
“On behalf of our member companies, who lead the film, TV and streaming industry, we express our strongest support for Ukraine’s vibrant creative community who, like all people, deserve to live and work peacefully,” the MPA said in a statement.
Russia is not a leading market for Hollywood, but the country typically ranks in the top dozen countries globally at the box office.
Sony’s recent smash hit Spider-Man: No Way Home, which has totalled $1.85bn in ticket sales worldwide, has grossed $46.7m in Russia.
Sony’s most recent chart-topping release, the Tom Holland adventure Uncharted, has amassed about $20m in Russia over the last two weeks.
After Disney and Warner Bros made their announcements, Sony followed suit.
“Given the ongoing military action in Ukraine and the resulting uncertainty and humanitarian crisis unfolding in that region, we will be pausing our planned theatrical releases in Russia, including the upcoming release of ‘Morbius,’” Sony said in a statement referencing the Spider-Man spinoff opening in early April.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted and hope this crisis will be resolved quickly.”
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