Though it’s forgoing a French theatrical release for its animated feature “Strange World” next month, Disney’s other big November release “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will hit cinemas in France.
Disney opted out of a “Strange World” theatrical release in what was seen as an attempt to put pressure on negotiations happening early next year to amend France’s strict (some would call draconian) windowing rules.
Under the current guidelines established at the start of the year, Disney’s PVOD window is set at four months, and SVOD window at seventeen months – with the only way to bypass those rules is to forgo a release in cinemas.
It has been indicated Disney recent had a meeting, facilitated by the National Film Board, to discuss changes to the guidelines. They walked away pleased enough for this Marvel theatrical release to go ahead on November 9th.
Under the rule, the film will now not be available to Disney+ subscribers in France until Spring 2024. Disney adds until new windowing regulations are established, it will “continue to make future release decisions on a film-by-film basis.”
Source: Variety
