The Walt Disney Company has responded to the crisis in Ukraine, announcing it will pause all movie releases in Russia–which has invaded Ukraine–and confirming plans to work with NGO partners to provide aid to refugees. Warner Bros. has reacted as well, announcing that The Batman will not be released in Russian cinemas this week as planned.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the House of Mouse said, “Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming Turning Red from Pixar.”
Looking ahead, Disney said it will “make future business decisions based on the evolving situation.”
“In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees,” it added.
As for The Batman delay, a spokesperson for WarnerMedia told Variety: “In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film The Batman in Russia. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragedy.”
Disney and WB are the first major movie studios to pause their movie releases in Russia due to the crisis, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Turning Red was scheduled to premiere on March 10 in Russia. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Lightyear were also scheduled to debut in Russia this year.
You can help Ukrainians in need by donating to charity. We also have a roundup of how game developers are supporting the crisis in Ukraine.
