Following the footsteps of its decision to skip a theatrical release for its live-action remake of Mulan, Disney has opted to forgo its plans for Pixar’s Soul to show on the big screen in theaters due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instead, the animation studio’s latest film will head straight to Disney+, Disney’s new streaming service. Unlike Mulan, however, Soul will not require “Premium Access,” meaning viewers will not have to fork over an additional $30 to watch this in the comfort of their homes.
Earlier this year, Pixar released Onward, a film about two elf brothers who set out on a quest to find an artifact that will temporarily bring back their deceased father. Shortly after its release, businesses shut down, including theater chains. This prompted Disney to release the film on its streaming platform (without a paywall).
Originally scheduled to be released in theaters on November 20, 2020, Soul will now make its debut on Disney+ this Christmas. A new trailer announcing the movie and premiere date has been released and can be seen below.
What is it that makes you…YOU? This November, Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth.
Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.
Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Inside Out,” “Up”), co-directed by Kemp Powers (“One Night in Miami”) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a. (Pixar short “Lou”), Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” is streaming only on Disney+ beginning December 25.