Disney Exclusively Releasing Ben Affleck’s ‘The Last Duel,’ ‘Eternals,’ and These Other Movies in Theaters
Disney just announced changes to their 2021 schedule. With theater attendance increasing little by little, many studios are hedging their bets on full-fledged cinematic releases. Though the debate rages on about day-and-date hybrid movie drops, the success of Shang-Chi is a motivating force.
Disney is moving forward with exclusive theater-only releases. The Last Duel and these other films will remain in theaters for a minimum of 45 days before shifting to streaming.
‘The Last Duel’
According to the Walt Disney Company’s latest press release, The Last Duel arrives in theaters on Oct. 15. Adapted from Eric Jager’s 2004 novel, the film takes place in 1386 and follows the story of Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris. Jean de Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite, accused Le Gris of rape, and the two men battled it out. Directed by Ridley Scott, The Last Duel is “a gripping tale of betrayal and vengeance set against the brutality and female oppression of 14th century France.”
Ben Affleck co-wrote the script and the film stars Jodie Comer as Marguerite, Matt Damon as Jean de Carrouges, and Adam Driver as Jacques Le Gris.
‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’
Family film Ron’s Gone Wrong will be released only in theaters on Oct. 22. Per the press release, the story follows awkward middle schooler Barney and his robot, Ron. “Ron’s hilarious malfunctions set against the backdrop of the social media age, launch them into an action-packed journey in which boy and robot come to terms with the wonderful messiness of true friendship.”
‘Eternals’
Marvel’s next major movie is Eternals with a star-studded cast that includes Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie. The superhero flick had its date switched due the pandemic but will now drop in theaters on Nov. 5.
‘Encanto’
Encanto, due for a Nov. 24 theatrical release, will run through the holidays and arrive on Disney+ on Dec. 24 as a full feature. The animated fantasy tale is all about magic and the Madrigal family. Set in Colombia, the film centers on 15-year-old Mirabel, her troubles with where she fits into the world, and an event that puts her family in peril.
‘West Side Story’
Steven Spielberg enters the movie musical world for the first time with his take on West Side Story. Take things back to New York in 1957 where the Jets and Sharks have a fierce rivalry. Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler play Tony and Maria, and the film homes in on the Puerto Rican experience in the 1950s. Spielberg worked on the script as early as 2016, and now it’s finally hitting the big screen on Dec. 10.
‘The King’s Man’
Disney and 20th Century Studios plan to release The King’s Man on Dec. 22. A prequel to the Kingsman spy thriller series, the movie goes back in time. Per the logline, “As a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them. Discover the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency in The King’s Man.” Previously, the film was set for February 2020 drop date.
