Disney's "Soul" will no longer debut in theaters. The new Pixar animated feature will instead arrive on the company's streaming service Disney+ on December 25.
"We are thrilled to share Pixar's spectacular and moving 'Soul' with audiences direct to Disney+ in December," said Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. "A new original Pixar film is always a special occasion, and this truly heartwarming and humorous story about human connection and finding one's place in the world will be a treat for families to enjoy together this holiday season."
The move comes as Cineworld, which owns Regal Cinemas, has closed more than 500 theaters in the U.S. . That loss has forced Disney and other studios to rethink their distribution strategies.
Unlike Disney's "Mulan," which skipped theaters to go to Disney+ in September, it appears that "Soul" will be free as part of the traditional streaming on-demand service.
The movement of "Soul" from the calendar is yet another blow to movie theaters. Major cinemas have struggled since reopening in August as attendance has been low and a number of Hollywood blockbusters have postponed into next year.
The delay of "Wonder Woman 1984," "Black Widow," "No Time to Die" and more have left a gaping hole in the theatrical calendar. And there are fears that even more films could be pushed in the coming weeks.