With coronavirus (COVID-19) cases involving the Delta variant on the rise in Las Vegas, Disney is canceling its stage presentation for the 2021 edition of CinemaCon set to take place at the Caesars Palace luxury hotel and casino.
Disney informed the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) it no longer plans to send its executives and staff members to present at Las Vegas, confirmed The Hollywood Reporter. Instead, after considering the decision for several weeks, the Mouse House intends to use its allotted time to screen one of its upcoming movies, as well as presenting virtually. Other major studios are still planning to host in-person presentations.
CinemaCon is an annual event hosted by NATO in which theatrical distributors showcase their upcoming titles. After cancelling the 2020 iteration in response to the ongoing pandemic, NATO bucked tradition by scheduling this year's convention to take place in the summer, in the hopes that COVID-19 numbers would be down by the time it takes place. However, cases stemming from the Delta variant are on the rise, with the White House declaring Nevada a "sustained hotspot" for infections amidst a sharp spike in recent weeks.
While NATO requires those entering the Colosseum to watch the CinemaCon presentations in person to be vaccinated or tested going in, the number of people using the hotel and casino not affiliated with the event makes it difficult for the organization to guarantee the safety of those in attendance. For that reason, studios are planning to skip the flashy presentations this year in favor of screening footage and emphasizing the importance of keeping the theatrical experience alive and well.
Disney's announcement comes on the heels of NATO blaming Black Widow's weaker than anticipated box office performance on the studio's decision to release the film simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access. "Despite assertions that this pandemic-era improvised release strategy was a success for Disney and the simultaneous release model, it demonstrates that an exclusive theatrical release means more revenue for all stakeholders in every cycle of the movie's life," said NATO.
In the wake of Black Widow's performance, Disney insiders are downplaying box office exceptions for this week's Jungle Cruise movie adaptation. The film will arrive in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access on July 30.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter