In 2021, several animated Disney andPixarfilms were released on Disney Plus, either as free exclusives, premium content, and in the case ofEncanto, not long after premiering in theaters. Now, the pattern of release changes for Disney and Pixar animated films continues today, asTurning Redwill now release on Disney Plus instead of releasing in theaters.
Pixar’sTurning Redis the 25th feature film by the legendary animation studios, and the feature directorial debut of Domee Shi, who previously directedthe short filmBao, thereby becoming the first woman to direct a short film for Pixar.Baoscreened in front ofThe Incredibles 2and received the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2019. Shi will be the second female filmmaker to direct a Pixar feature film behind Brenda Chapman, a co-director ofBrave. Furthermore,Turning Redis the first Pixar film to take place in Canada, which is also the home of director Shi.
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Disney has announced thatPixar’sTurning Redhas been taken off the theatrical slate in favor of an exclusive streaming release on Disney Plus. This makesTurning Redthe third Pixar film in a row to be released as a Disney Plus exclusive followingSoulandLuca. The film maintains its original release date of March 11th and will be available on Disney Plus at no additonal charge, unlikeRaya and the Last Dragon,Cruella, andBlack Widow,among other titles. However,Turning Redwill still be released theatrically in international markets where Disney Plus is not available, with release dates to be announced at a later date.
Turning Redis one of many animated features to be released in 2022, which is quickly emerging as a banner year for the medium. Disney will also be releasing Pixar’sLightyearlater this year, as well asThe Bob’s Burgers MovieandStrange World. Other films such asDreamworks’The Bad Guys, Guillermo del Toro’sPinocchio, and Paramount’sUnder the Boardwalkwill also be released.
2021 was a banner year for animation, especially when it came to Disney’s output.Raya and the Last Dragon, Pixar’sLuca, andEncantoall received positive reception from critics and fans, as all three films have achieved high viewership numbers. However, the releases of these films were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.Raya and the Last Dragonwas released day-and-date in theaters and on Disney Plus,Lucareleased as a free Disney Plus exclusive, andEncantocame to Disney Plus after an atypically brief 45-day theatrical window
The streaming exclusivity decision is a disappointing turn of events for Pixar fans looking forward to seeingTurning Redin theaters.Lightyear, Pixar’s highly anticipated Buzz Lightyear spinoff film, is still slated for theatrical release next June, but in the meantime, here’s hoping thatTurning Red’s Disney Plus premiere brings a slew of new audiences to the film.
Turning Redcomes to Disney Plus on March 11th, 2022.
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