Massive revenues and global access needed to bring blockbuster films to homes

Although some new spring films have been released via digital streaming services because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many films were postponed until next year. CNN recently explored the reasons for these decisions by studios.

Children’s movies, such as “Artemis Fowl,” “Scoob!,” and “Trolls World Tour,” were easy on-demand picks that wouldn’t normally generate the massive movie theater returns seen with film franchises like Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and James Bond or blockbuster global releases. As explained by Boxoffice.com’s Chief Analyst Shawn Robbins, studios are dependent on blockbuster box office revenues. Disney’s “Mulan” was most likely postponed because Disney hopes for massive global returns.

Many films also can’t be enjoyed as much on smaller screens because they were designed with big screens in mind. A popular director or writer might even cut ties with a studio if their work doesn’t first appear in theaters.

While parents are stuck at home with their children, new on-demand children’s films create positive studio associations in the minds of consumers. Additionally, new releases promote subscription-based streaming services, which can result in studios receiving consistent, extra monthly/yearly revenues.

As previously reported, drive-ins are becoming a growing alternative to enclosed theaters. Studios might decide eventually to focus their release efforts on drive-in and digital rather than traditional theaters. For now, movie lovers will just have to wait until 2021 to see some blockbusters.

Sources:

CNN
Lohud.com
Wikipedia