Screentime

‘Turning Red’ Goes to Disney+ Streaming, Bypassing Tough Theater Climate

Disney opts for exclusive online release for latest Pixar film
Family-focused animation hasn’t fared well in cinemas recently

“Turning Red” is about a 13-year-old Asian girl in Toronto who turns into a giant panda when she gets excited.Source: Disney/Pixar

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By Christopher Palmeri

March 10, 2022 at 1:00 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

It seemed just like any big movie event when Walt Disney Co. closed off Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles on March 1 so stars such as Sandra Oh and singer Billie Eilish could walk the red carpet for the premiere of “Turning Red.”

But the new animated feature from Disney’s Pixar unit isn’t heading to theaters next. It’s going straight to the company’s $8-a-month Disney+ streaming service on Friday, bypassing cinemas for the business that’s become the No. 1 priority for the company’s future.