Batman, it’s a cancellation!
In the wake of Putin’s escalating invasion of Ukraine, Warner Bros. said Monday that it will cancel all theatre releases in Russia, including “The Batman.” Russia increased its onslaught on Tuesday, bombarding Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, and sending a 40-mile-long convoy of tanks and other weaponry to Kyiv.
“WarnerMedia is postponing the distribution of its feature picture ‘The Batman’ in Russia due to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine,” the company announced in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “We’ll keep an eye on the issue as it develops.” We hope that this tragedy will be resolved quickly and peacefully.”
On Tuesday, the Matt Reeves superhero film starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz was set to debut in Russia. “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (April 14) and the comic book animation “DC League of Super-Pets” (April 14) were two other Warner Bros. films set for distribution in the nation (May 19).
Other Hollywood studios have halted their initiatives in Russia due to the ongoing turmoil. After delaying significant releases in the nation, including the latest Pixar feature “Turning Red,” Disney started the practice last month.
“Future business decisions will be dependent on the changing scenario.” In the meantime, considering the magnitude of the looming refugee catastrophe,” the Mouse House stated in a statement. “We’re working with our NGO partners to give refugees immediate relief and other humanitarian support.”
On February 28, Sony Pictures announced that it will halt theatre distribution of their films in Russia, including the forthcoming vampire horror “Morbius.”
According to THR, Russia is one of the top box office markets in the world, with Sony’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home” grossing more than $44.5 million since its December release.
