Hollywood embraces OTT amid pandemic
The announcement of liveaction film Mulan heading the OTT way came as a surprise to many, as it is one of the muchanticipated films of 2020. The release of the film was postponed several times due to the ongoing pandemic. However, the production house has finally decided to release the film online. And not just Mulan, in the last four months, several Hollywood films have skipped theatrical release.
Horror film Antebellum, starring singer-actor Janelle Monae, is also bypassing a theatrical debut in the US and will head straight for premium VOD (video on demand) next month.
In some select overseas markets, the film will play in cinemas.
Animated film Scoob!, about the beloved Great Dane, also went straight to premium on-demand as opposed to waiting for a theatrical release.
Similarly, Kevin Bacon and Amanda Seyfried’s You Should Have Left released on digital, video on demand without theatre release in North America. The film follows a family that seeks a vacation at the edge of the world.
Jon Stewart’s Irresistible also made its way to digital owing to the Covid-19 crisis and shutdown of theatres. It is the second feature from Stewart, and marks his return to the political comedy sphere.
Other films which have taken the digital route instead of waiting for the situation to improve include The King of Staten Island and Artemis Fowl. Directed by Judd Apatow, The King of Staten Island made its way to ondemand, while Artemis Fowl — the adaptation of Eoin Colfer’s bestselling children’s fantasy series — cancelled its theatrical run scheduled for the spring and went directly to an OTT platform in June.
Similarly, Kumail Nanjiani’s The Lovebirds was originally scheduled to be in theatres on April 3, but got delayed due to theatres closing worldwide amid the pandemic. It released on an OTT platform in May.
Tom Hardy-starrer Capone, too, has been released on streaming services amid the coronavirus crisis. Director Josh Trank had revealed on social media that the film would be available to viewers from May 12. It is hoped that the movie can be released in cinemas once the pandemic eases.