Disney has confirmed that its highly acclaimed Disney+ movie, “Young Woman and the Sea,” is set to have a limited theatrical release on May 31. This decision comes after the film, starring Daisy Ridley, received exceptional ratings in the high 90s during testing. Alongside the theatrical release, Disney will also implement a marketing campaign specifically tailored to this limited release, highlighting the studio’s recognition of the potential for streaming movies in the cinematic landscape.
In what can be considered a breakthrough for Disney+, this move marks the first time the streaming platform is contemplating a theatrical release for one of its films. Joachim Rønning directed the feature adaptation of Glenn Stout’s novel, “Young Woman and the Sea,” which showcases the swimming journey of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel. This inspiring sports drama has captured the attention and admiration of audiences, resulting in Disney’s decision to explore a wider distribution on the big screen.
Deadline reports that Disney is planning a May 31 release date for the theatrical debut of “Young Woman and the Sea,” accompanied by a large-scale global marketing campaign. Leveraging the film’s Disney+ release during the summer, the studio aims to generate immense buzz and anticipation for its theatrical run. Additionally, it has been suggested that a campaign tied to the 2024 Summer Olympics could further boost the movie’s visibility and appeal.
The Shifting Landscape of Streaming and Theatrical Releases
The decision to release a Disney+ film theatrically underscores the evolving landscape of streaming and theatrical releases. With the immense success of recent streaming-to-theater transitions, such as Amazon MGM Studios’ “The Boys in the Boat,” which grossed over $45 million, studios are increasingly recognizing the potential for streaming movies to successfully make the leap to the big screen. The year 2024 is already shaping up to embrace a plethora of theatrical releases, with titles like Universal’s “Monkey Man” and Amazon MGM Studios’ “Blink Twice” being added to the slate.
Should “Young Woman and the Sea” secure a May 31 release slot, it will dominate the wide entry for that weekend. Two moderate releases, Bleecker Street’s “Ezra” and Lionsgate Premiere’s “1992,” are also scheduled for this timeframe. The gripping drama, written by Jeff Nathanson, captures the remarkable journey of Gertrude Ederle, who overcame extraordinary challenges to achieve the historic swim. The film boasts a talented cast, including Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Stephen Graham, Christopher Eccleston, and Jeanette Hain. Notably, the production is led by producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman, ensuring a high-quality cinematic experience.
The Director’s Ongoing Endeavors
Joachim Rønning, the director behind “Young Woman and the Sea,” is currently working on Disney’s “Tron: Ares.” His collaboration with Disney demonstrates the studio’s confidence in his storytelling abilities and his capability to deliver captivating and visually stunning films.
The upcoming limited theatrical release of Disney+’s “Young Woman and the Sea” marks an exciting milestone for the streaming platform. With its impressive ratings and the studio’s tailored marketing campaign, the film is poised to make a significant impact in theaters. This move further validates the shifting landscape of streaming and theatrical releases, emphasizing the potential for streaming movies to captivate audiences on the big screen. As Disney continues to explore the crossover between streaming and cinema, viewers can anticipate more extraordinary stories like “Young Woman and the Sea” to grace both platforms in the future.