Earlier this year, it was revealed Disney was considering not releasing the upcoming Marvel Studios film, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, in cinemas in France and sending the film straight to Disney+ instead.

This is because France has some different rules in place regarding how films are released after a theatrical release.   Currently, Disney’s films are available to purchase four months after their initial release, then can go to Canal+ for six months.  After 17 months, new films can be added to Disney+ for just five months, before being removed to go to free-to-air channels for 14 months, before going back to Disney+, 3 years after the initial theatrical release.

Today, Disney has confirmed that the Marvel Studios film, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, will be released in cinemas in France on November 9th 2022.

In a statement to Deadline, a Disney spokesperson said:

“Following the French authorities’ acknowledgement that the Media Chronology needs to be modernized and setting a clear timeline for those discussions, The Walt Disney Company will move forward with a French cinematic release of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on 9 November. Consequently, the film will not be available to Disney+ subscribers in France until Spring 2024, due to the current windowing framework.

As we have stated before, we believe the chronology is anti-consumer and puts all studios at increased risk for piracy, which is why the majority of the stakeholders agree that it needs to be completely revised. We will remain actively engaged in the upcoming meetings and we will work closely with the CNC, the Ministry of Culture and the various other stakeholders in order to try and find a quick and equitable solution for all parties. In the meantime, we will continue to make future release decisions on a film-by-film basis.”

As you might expect, Disney obviously wants this rule to change, because the current situation is unlike other countries, and Disney isn’t able to use its own content how it wants.  This is one reason why the next big release, “Strange World”, will be skipping a theatrical release and going straight to Disney+ in France.

It’s good news for those who want to see “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in cinemas, but for Disney+ subscribers, it’s going to be a long time until it’s available.

What do you think of France’s theatrical rules?

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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