NBCUniversal is pushing many of their newer films to on-demand services at the same time they would open in theaters due to many movie houses closing and many people social distancing because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell made the decision today (March 16) and said in a statement, "Universal Pictures has a broad and diverse range of movies with 2020 being no exception. Rather than delaying these films or releasing them into a challenged distribution landscape, we wanted to provide an option for people to view these titles in the home that is both accessible and affordable. We hope and believe that people will still go to the movies in theaters where available, but we understand that for people in different areas of the world that is increasingly becoming less possible."
Among the new films hitting on-demand the same time as they would traditionally open in theaters is Trolls World Tour, The Hunt, The Invisible Man and Emma. The films are expected to be available as 48-hour rentals for $19.99. NBCUniversal didn't specify whether more of their expected 2020 titles will be released this way.
LIST: Major Entertainment/Sports Events Affected By Coronavirus
