Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek has made it clear – even with the COVID-19 outbreak, there will be “no delays on Mandalorian” and it will arrive on time in October.
Chapek said that whilst speaking with CNBC. The series wrapped production before the shutdowns and they’ve been in post-production ever since. The series is the Disney+ service’s flagship series and with the service criticised for being thin on new content, making sure the new season hits this Fall is being as a critical move.
As part of the interview, Chapek also re-iterated the studio’s commitment to theaters – “We believe in the theatrical experience, particularly to release big blockbuster films”. However he also says the new service is “a viable way to premiere films as well, on a deliberate film by film basis; no hard and fast rules.”
He also isn’t concerned about initial capacity safety restraints at theaters: “If you think about the occupancy of a movie theater, 25% is the Monday through Friday afternoon (capacity)…It only becomes an issue on Friday and Saturday night, and to a lesser extent on Sunday night. In that particular case it can be managed and up to exhibitors.”
Disney’s next release is “Artemis Fowl” which is skipping theatrical for a Disney+ premiere later this month.
