Go to the cinema sometime, because Avatar: The Way of Water probably won’t hit Disney+ right away like some of Disney’s other recent releases.
Since 2019, Disney has followed a basic operating sequence: If a movie opens in theaters, it ends up on Disney+. However, there are a number of differences in how individual projects make their way to Disney+. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced studios to move more films to direct release and set a new precedent for theatrical release windows. Avatar 2’s immediate global reach could also affect when it ends up streaming on Disney+ as goals shift.
When Will Avatar 2 Be Streaming Online?
Prior to 2020, movies in theaters generally had a 90-day window before they could be purchased on VOD or Blu-ray/DVD.
Since 2020, Disney has released some movies simultaneously in theaters and streaming media, such as “Black Widow” and “Raja and the Last Dragon” are all among the “premium access” (extra cost) movies on Disney+.
Recently, some audiences have noticed that the release window of some blockbuster films in 2022 has narrowed. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was available to stream on Disney+ 47 days after its theatrical release. In the months that followed, Thor: Love and Thunder joined the streaming service 62 days after its theatrical release.
Based on director James Cameron’s track record, the movie could very well be a hugely successful sequel. Global box office performance is critical to knowing when Avatar 2 will begin streaming on Disney+.
Besides, to get fans ready for the sequel, Disney announced that it would be re-releasing the original “Avatar” in theatres on September 23rd 2022, with remastered audio and picture. Meanwhile, Disney has quietly removed the epic 20th Century Studios film, “Avatar” from Disney+ worldwide, without informing subscribers in advance. While Disney regularly removes 20th Century Studios titles from Disney+ in the US due to previous contracts with other streaming services, this removal has happened globally. This further illustrates the importance Disney attaches to Avatar 2’s box office performance.
Avatar: The Way of Water’s Best Chances for Disney+ Release
Assuming The Way of Water is a top-notch box office performer, there’s no rush to get it to streaming.
During its opening weekend, “Avatar 2” grossed $441.6 million worldwide. It’s the second-highest-grossing film of 2022 (May’s Multiverse of Madness earned $449.4 million worldwide). These numbers are usually lower than the forecasts of industry experts, but approaching 5 billion in three days is not disappointing. The 90-day theater window is equivalent to joining Disney+ on Thursday, March 17, 2023.
However, a month earlier, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (another Disney blockbuster) was set to hit theaters on Feb. 17. That could lead to the company streaming Avatar 2 around the same time after a 60-day theater window.
If you don’t have Disney Plus yet, here is an option for you to get a cheap Disney Plus subscription. Buy it and you are ready to enjoy Avatar: The Way of Water at home!
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