Pardafas Reporter
Warner Bros is halting the release of The Batman in Russia, just days before it was to open in theatres there, as Hollywood moved to cease distribution plans in the country following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Warner Bros, the Walt Disney Co and Sony Pictures said on February 28 that they would “pause” the release of their films in Russia. Each studio has significant upcoming releases that had been set to debut internationally in the coming weeks.
The Batman, one of the year’s more anticipated films, launches on March 4 in North America and many overseas territories, including Russia.
“In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film The Batman in Russia,” a spokesperson for the studio said in a statement. “We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragedy.”
Warner Bros’ move closely followed a similar decision by the Walt Disney Co.
The studio had planned to open the Pixar film Turning Red in Russia on March 10. That film is going straight to Disney+ in the US. Before Disney’s announcement, Warner Bros had been expected to proceed with the Russian release of The Batman.
“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,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. “We 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.”
After Disney and Warner Bros made their announcements, Sony followed suit. “Given the ongoing military action in Ukraine and the resulting uncertainty and humanitarian crisis unfolding in that region, we will be pausing our planned theatrical releases in Russia, including the upcoming release of Morbius,” Sony said in a statement referencing the Spider-Man spinoff slated for early April. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted and hope this crisis will be resolved quickly.”
- Associated Press
