Several major Hollywood studios halt film releases in Russia amid invasion of Ukraine

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In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, at least four major film studios are halting the release of their films in Russia. Sony, Disney, Warner Bros., and Paramount each announced that films will not be shown in the country.

A spokesman for Warner Bros. stated that The Batman, one of the year’s most highly anticipated action films, is among the films that will not be shown in Russia, The Wrap reported. It had been slated to premiere in the country on Friday.

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“In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film The Batman in Russia,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragedy.” In addition, Disney will not be releasing the latest Pixar animated feature, Turning Red, in Russia.

“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,” said a Disney spokesperson.

“We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation. In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.”

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Sony stated that its upcoming film, Morbius, will not come out in Russia, either. Although it isn’t scheduled to premiere until April 1, a spokesperson stated that the “uncertainty” of the “humanitarian crisis” is what’s giving the studio pause.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted and hope this crisis will be resolved quickly,” a Sony spokesperson said in a statement to The Wrap.

Paramount Pictures announced that its forthcoming films, including Sonic The Hedgehog 2, and The Lost City, will not premiere in Russia, Variety reported. “We stand by all those impacted by the humanitarian crisis across Ukraine, Russia, and our international markets and will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds,” said a Paramount spokesperson.

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