Many places around the world are participating in “social distancing” due to the coronavirus. Due to this theaters all over have been forced to close down for the time being. This of course has caused an unprecedented problem as films are being pushed back to a later date. But what about those films that were released right before the theaters shut down? These films will no doubt lose a lot of money as people do not have the opportunity to go see them.

Lucky for Hollywood there is a way studios can try and make up losses at the theaters thanks to modern day technology. Most people across the country have access to VOD releases via their smart devices. So they are taking advantage of this and releasing films early to rent. Disney led the way by releasing Frozen 2 early on their Disney+ streaming service. Then NBCUniversal announced that The Invisible Man, Emma and The Hunt would be available early to rent. Soon they will be releasing Trolls World Tour directly to VOD.

ALSO SEE: NBCUNIVERSAL TO MAKE FILMS AVAILABLE TO STREAM THE SAME DAY THEY HIT THEATERS

Now Warner Bros. and STX are also joining in by releasing Birds of Prey, Just Mercy and The Gentlemen according to The Hollywood Reporter. These films will be available for purchase on March 24th, a few weeks earlier than they would typically be released. Birds of Prey will be hitting the market 46 days after it’s initial release and The Gentleman after 60 days. Films are typically available to buy digitally after about 74 days it is released in theaters.

Director of Birds of Prey was excited about the films push to VOD, check out her Tweet below:

Woohoo! Birds of Prey will in fact be available for digital rental on March 24! Thanks to all the fans and supporters out there. I’m just happy people will be able to enjoy new and fun movies right now.

— Cathy Yan (@CathyYan) March 17, 2020

As the times change, even if it’s for a short period of time, the entertainment industry must also change. Since most people are stuck at home this is the best way to get their films to audiences. It will be interesting to see what are the rental numbers for these films this weekend vs. other films rental numbers before. Will they be higher? Lower? We’ll see soon enough.

Will you be renting any of these films this weekend as you practice social distancing? Let us know in the comment section below!

Birds of Prey, The Gentlemen and Just Mercy will be available for digital rental on March 24th.

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Source: The Hollywood Reporter