Why Soul Isn’t Releasing On Disney+ Premier Access Like Mulan

Disney CEO Bob Chapek explains why Soul isn't being included among Disney+'s Premier Access program like Mulan was. Soul was originally scheduled for release in June of this year, but the coronavirus pandemic led Disney to delay it until November. When the situation regarding the pandemic and movie theaters didn't improve, Disney made the decision to send Soul straight to Disney+, where it will debut on Christmas Day, December 25. Directed by Pete Docter, the latest Pixar film stars Jamie Foxx as an aspiring jazz musician who, following an unfortunate accident, finds his soul separated from his body.

Soul is just the latest Disney film this year to skip a theatrical run, following the likes of Artemis Fowl and Mulan. However, the latter set a new precedent with its release: Mulan became the very first Premier Access film available on Disney+. For the hefty price of $29.99, Disney+ subscribers could purchase Mulan starting in September. When Soul took the Disney+ track, many wondered if it too would cost money. The answer? It won't. Soul will be available for free, and Chapek has finally explained why.

Related: Pixar’s Soul Releasing On Disney+ Upsets International Theater Owners

During Disney's Q4 earnings call, Chapek opened up about the decision to make Soul free for all Disney+ subscribers. Chapek called it a "really nice gesture to our subscribers" timed for the holidays, thus allowing anyone to watch it without an additional cost. He specifically pointed out Soul is for "base-level subscribers," seemingly making the distinction that Premier Access is a new level for subscribers.

Elsewhere during the earnings call, Chapek hinted more Disney+ Premier Access offerings will arrive in the future, though it remains to be seen what movies will qualify for this. Considering how many movies audiences have been deprived of his year, it's nice to know there won't be an extra price tag attached to Soul. Those spending a peaceful holiday at home can watch it and decide whether it deserved a theatrical run after all.

While Chapek made the decision to have Soul be available for free sound like it was an act of goodwill from Disney, there's a chance financials also had an impact. Mulan was expected to pull in decent (if not large) numbers at the box office, so it wasn't too surprising when it ended up costing $29.99 on Disney+. As for Soul, its box office prospects were less clear, but in sending it to Disney+, the studio has made it look like it can sustain any loss caused by Soul. Of course, if Soul ends up drawing in new subscribers, it won't even matter much. Regardless, Disney+ subscribers can enjoy a delightful new movie by the end of this year, and after everything, that's quite an exciting prospect.

More: Soul Trailer Reveals New Details About Pixar's Before Life World

Source: Bob Chapek, Disney earnings call



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