'Mulan' to skip theaters, heads straight to Disney Plus

Traditional movie theaters are having a rough time right now in the time of pandemic. Not only do they have to figure out how to keep the lights on at a time when people aren't going out due to quarantines and health concerns, they also have to contend with movie releases being constantly pushed back which will definitely affect the long-term survival of their business. 

The latest setback in terms of potential box office blockbusters being moved is the live-action Mulan remake.

Disney recently announced that Mulan is completely skipping theaters and going directly to the company's streaming video service, Disney Plus starting September 4.

This covers the United States and every territory where Disney Plus is available. Countries or areas that do not have Disney Plus may still see a theatrical release of the film in the future.

Thiis move does come at a premium. If you're a Disney Plus subscriber paying the monthly fee of $6.99 (P343), you won't automatically have access to the film. Expect to shell out an additional $29.99 (P1,471) to be able to see it.

Mulan was originally slated for a March 27 release, however, restrictions due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic which were imposed just a few days earlier prevented that from happening. Disney had pushed back the schedule initially a number of times prior to this latest move.

As far as blockbusters go, Mulan was hyped by Disney to be one of their potentially biggest films to open in 2020. Audiences have also expressed large interest, partly from nostalgia as fans of the original animated movie.

"When the Emperor of China (Jet Li) issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan (Yifei Liu), the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential."

Photos from Disney