Disney Pauses Upcoming Theatrical Releases In Russia Amid Ukraine Invasion

The Walt Disney Company said it will halt all future theatrical releases in Russia amid its conflict with Ukraine.

“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming ‘Turning Red’ from Pixar,” the company said in a statement sent to CNBC on Monday. “We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation.”

The animated film “Turning Red” would no longer premiere in Russian theaters on March 10 in response to the ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Disney statement said it is currently focusing on working with its NGO partners “to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.”

Disney is the first Hollywood studio that has taken a stand against Russia since it invaded Ukraine. Previously, rock band Green Day and pop trio AJR canceled their upcoming musical events in Moscow while the European Broadcasting Union banned Russians from competing in this year’s Eurovision contest.

Similarly, Netflix declined to carry Russian propaganda channels that it is supposed to host under Russia's Vitrina TV law. As part of the law, Netflix is required to distribute 20 “must-carry” free-to-air Russian news, sports and entertainment TV channels.

“Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service,” the streaming platform said.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ “The Batman” appears to be on track regarding its release in Russia on March 3. However, several studio executives are currently engaging in discussions on whether they should also pause their upcoming releases in Russia, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter.

One studio executive told the outlet, “If the U.S. and its allies want to cut off Russia from the rest of the world, then how would we go ahead and release our movies there?”

Another one said, “How can anyone advertise their movies on state-owned media right now in Russia?”

Sports organizations are also slapping Russia with sanctions. The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) joined the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in suspending all Russian clubs and national teams from participating in all competitions until further notice.

“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people,” FIFA and UEFA said in a joint statement.