Sony, Disney, Warner Bros. Suspend Theatrical Releases in Russia

Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, all major Hollywood studios, including the Walt Disney Company, Sony, and Warner Bros., are suspending theatrical releases in the country (via CNBC News). 

Disney, which was the first major studio to take the stance against Russia, said in a statement that it was pausing all film debuts in the country, including the new Pixar film “Turning Red.” Sony, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Bros. followed suit and announced they would not be releasing any of their new movies in the country.

Warner Bros. said it was pausing the release of “The Batman,” whereas Sony said it is postponing all of its planned theatrical releases in Russia, including the upcoming “Morbius.”

“We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation,” Disney said in a statement Monday. “In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crises, we are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.”

Paramount’s “The Lost City” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2″ will also be withheld from the Russian market.

On average, the Russian box office accounts for around 3% of all global ticket sales.