Robert Pattinson inThe Batman(2022).
Several movie studios have made the decision to pause theatrical releases in Russia amid the ongoingwar in Ukraine.
Some of this year’s biggest releases — includingThe Batman, the animated filmTurning Redand Jared Leto’sMorbius— will not be opening in Russia for the time being due to the crisis.
In a statement shared Monday, a spokesperson for theWalt Disney Companysaid, “Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, includingTurning Redfrom Pixar. We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation.”
Thecompany’s statement continued, “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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“We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragedy,” the WarnerMedia statement concluded. (A rep for Warner Bros. Pictures did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.)
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted and hope this crisis will be resolved quickly,” concluded the emailed statement, via a spokesperson for Sony Pictures Entertainment.
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Putin insists Ukraine has historic ties to Russia and he is acting in the interest of so-called “peacekeeping.”
“The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine,” PresidentJoe Bidensaid as the invasion began in force in February.
source: people.com
