As ifBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverhasn’t faced enough challenges, a new international law concerning theatrical releases may jeopardize the upcoming sequel’s theatrical release in France.
Set to close out the MCU’s phase four, there’s no denying that the highly anticipatedBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverhas undergone a strenuous production. From the tragic passing of Chadwick Bosemanto Letitia Wright’s set injuriesand countless delays, it sure has been an emotional and taxing journey for all of those involved.
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According toLe Film Francais, due to a French law requiring theatrically-released films to wait 17 months before releasing on a subscription-based streaming platform, Disney is now considering canceling the sequel’s theatrical release in France. “The media timeline forces us to evaluate our theatrical releases film by film. We have not yet made a decision on the release of Black Panther,” Disney responded in a statement. Reports indicate that this isn’t the first time Disney addressed this particular legislation, and the company has already shown that it will cancel a theatrical release as a result.
It was back in June when Disney announced thatthe upcoming animated filmStrange Worldwould not receive a theatrical release in France but instead go straight to Disney Plus. Sources also share that while many audiences are growing accustomed to having shorter theatrical release windows and direct-to-streaming premieres, France is just one instance of opposition to these industry changes. It’s also worth noting that Disney and Marvel Studios won’t be the only ones facing drawbacks to this law, as French cinemas and their employees will likely face many hardships as well. AsBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever’srelease date rapidly approaches, moviegoers can expect a final decision by Disney to be made in the coming weeks.
The sequel will center on Wakanda trying to find a sense of stability following the passing of King T’Challa, as leaders of the powerful nation are also tasked with fighting invading forces. Returning cast members include Wright as Shuri,Winston Duke as M’Baku, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, and Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross. New additions include Tenoch Huerta as Namor, Michaela Coel as Aneka, and Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams/Ironheart, a genius inventor who creates a suit that rivals Tony Stark’s Iron Man armor.
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreveris finally set to arrive in theatres on November 11th, 2022.
