Following a months-long feud, Universal and Odeon have struck a deal that looks set to forever change the future of cinema and streaming.
AMC Theatres, who own Odeon in the UK, locked heads after Universal decided to release Trolls World Tour at home while cinemas were shut during the pandemic.
Universal doubled down on its decision, with CEO Jeff Shell stating that home releases would be a part of the studio’s business model from here on out.
AMC Theatres described the move as “unacceptable” and vowed to boycott any of Universal’s films that were released at home.
However, this new deal, which is being branded “historic”, will see Universal movies being released on digital services at home just 17 days after coming out in cinemas.
This means that some of the studio’s future films will be available to watch at home less than three weeks after their theatrical release.
According to Deadline, potential blockbusters like Fast & Furious 9, Halloween Kills and Jurassic World: Dominion will most likely have a longer cinema run before being released at home.
This does mean, though, that should cinemagoers miss the chance to watch a smaller Universal release, it will be available to purchase at home instead.
The studio is clearly hoping this will lead to more exposure for independent films struggling at the box office.
The Trollssequel, which was released digitally on 10 April, made an estimated $100m (£77m) in North America alone after less than three weeks of release.
Find a full list of every film that’s been delayed due to Covid-19 and its new release date here.
