Likely no premiere for New Mutants - at least not in LA. California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested cancellation of all gatherings of more than 250 people through the end of March.
The question is whether movie theaters in California are going to close. Following those guidelines, perhaps just large auditoriums. But so far this is just through the end of March, so Mulan will be the biggest impacted release.
Edited to add: There sounds like social distancing rules for crowds under 250 might result in theaters being closed through the end of March in CA. Sh*t.
Last edited by ClanAskani; 03-12-2020 at 02:25 AM.
It's also possible since there aren't a lot of films opening around that time that they will push to more screens and have theaters set a capacity for their showings. Wishful thinking yes, but Disney already does this nasty dance for megaplexes to make sure their film is on the most screens at one time do get butts in the doors and pump up numbers (showing on X gabillion screens!).
Team Yana Bachalo Fanboy Cyclops Was Right
I'm now thinking that no matter HOW the film does, it's going to be chalked up to the current outbreak rather than its own merits (or lack thereof).
If it bombs, it's because no one was going to the theater, or theaters were outright closing, etc.
If it's a success, it's because all of the competition was being pushed back, or couldn't get on enough screens because larger theaters were closed, etc.
Great point. Which is likely why they aren't moving it. Try and pounce on the lack of compitition for a hit ot leave it there to die and shrug later.
Team Yana Bachalo Fanboy Cyclops Was Right
Yeah, New Mutants isn't going to be delayed. If all theaters are closed, then something like a premium streaming release might happen - like the release of The Interview.
Edited to add: Quiet Place 2 has pulled their European release but is staying put in the US as of now.
Edited again: Spoke too soon. Quiet Place 2 has been delayed with no new date released. Fast 9 was pushed to April 2021.
There needs to be a movie about the release of New Mutants. More drama than The Disaster Artist.
If I was Disney, I'd push Black Widow to Artemis Fowl's spot at the end of May. The reaction to the changes made to Artemis make the Airbender movie look like a faithful adaptation. Might as well give that spot to Black Widow and make sure it doesn't get delayed too long.
Edited yet again: R-rated comedy Lovebirds which opens April 3rd as well is being pushed back. So New Mutants is now the only wide release on April 3rd.
Last edited by ClanAskani; 03-12-2020 at 09:37 AM.
Team Yana Bachalo Fanboy Cyclops Was Right
Depends on how many theaters stay open. With everything getting pushed, I don't see Disney wasting one of their dates on New Mutants when they have so many other movies that need to be rescheduled. Mulan could even get pushed to April 3 if Disney wants to cross their fingers this panic over the coronavirus will be short lived.
Streaming is already benefiting from people staying home. Variety or THR did a survey last week asking people if they were going to theaters or staying home and streaming/renting. There was a good percentage of people then already saying they had increased their streaming and Disney+ is seeing an increase in subscribers. They'll need more content.
Without much being released, theaters which are open need movies so... might as well be New Mutants. But that really depends on how this all pans out. The best case scenario is that in two weeks, cases start declining. Maybe there's only a recommendation for those most vulnerable to stay away from crowds and people will want to go see a movie and New Mutants is one of the few options.
Otherwise, people will be stuck at home and needing something to watch.
Edited to add: Disney just deleted a tweet promoting Mulan's opening date. It was likely a scheduled post, but someone went in and removed it. So Mulan is probably moving.
Last edited by ClanAskani; 03-12-2020 at 11:18 AM.
I appreciate your insight as always ClanAskani. It's really been interesting watching this all play out.
Team Yana Bachalo Fanboy Cyclops Was Right
It could have a nice earnings being the only release on that date
Some slightly better news: CA Governor Gavin Newsom has clarified that theme parks, theaters and casinos are exempt from the 250 rule. Iger is actually having discussions with Newsom, so it sounds like he's trying to keep Disneyland open and keep theaters open.
https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/dis...om-1203532263/