When Disney announced its wide-ranging delays of films due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from Marvel Studios releases to Wes Anderson‘s latest and “Indiana Jones 5,” many saw one conspicuous absence from the changes—Pixar’s “Soul.” Originally intended to hit theaters on June 19, people wondered if the lack of delay was an indication that Disney thought the theatrical closures would have been worked out by then. Well, it may be a week or so late, but “Soul” now joins the rest with a brand-new delay.
According to Disney, Pixar’s latest animated film, “Soul,” is moving from its June date to November 20. For those with an up-to-date release calendar, you may immediately notice a complication. That Thanksgiving holiday week is supposed to be when Disney releases its next big animated film, “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Well, the studio has delayed that film, as well, pushing it from November to March 12, 2021.
As mentioned, there was quite a bit of discussion about what Disney might do with “Soul,” as the June date seemed less and less likely in recent days. Was it getting the early-VOD/Disney+ release like Pixar’s previous film, “Onward?” Or maybe the delay would force ‘Raya’ to go to Disney+ like “Artemis Fowl?” Well, apparently the studio is expecting big theatrical grosses from both films and is making sure they get their due on the big screen.
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With the November 20 date, “Soul” does have quite a bit of competition at the box office. (Obviously, this is assuming that the current dates for things don’t change.) On November 20, “Soul” is set to open opposite “Godzilla vs. Kong.” In addition, the film will be arriving just two weeks after “Black Widow” and just five days before “No Time To Die.” Obviously, all three of those films don’t necessarily fight for the same audience as “Soul,” but they will definitely occupy screens and will compete for the largest number of locations. That being said, before November 20, the closest animated film that is currently on the schedule is in September, with “Connected.”
For now, at least, “Soul” will arrive in theaters on November 20.