Disney has no plans to make this Independence Day splash boring amid global pandemic & health crises!

Source- wsj.com

Disney boss Robert Iger and Lin-Manuel decided to roll up the release date of its Broadway musical hit ‘Hamilton’ by over a year. Earlier, Disney signed a contract of 75 million dollars with Hamilton producer Lin-Manuel in February. The worldwide theatrical release of the musical hit was scheduled in fall 2021, while the online streaming rights were given to Disney+. However, Disney decided to give their fans a pleasant surprise by moving ahead with an unexpected release to Disney+ on July 3, 2020- 15 months ahead of schedule.

“I’m so proud of how beautifully Tommy Kail has brought Hamilton to the screen. He’s given everyone who watches this film the best seat in the house,” Miranda told in a statement while announcing the surprise release. “I’m so grateful to Disney and Disney+ for reimagining and moving up our release on July 4th weekend of this year, in light of the world turning upside down. I’m grateful to all the fans who asked for this, and I’m so glad that we can make it happen. I am so proud of this show. I can’t wait for you to see it,”

It’s a huge decision for Disney as they are cancelling the theatrical run for the Hamilton and instead decided to give the record-breaking 75 million dollars streaming rights to Disney+.

The major action from theatrical to online indicates Disney’s desperation for content so that their customers keep paying for their monthly subscription. The online streaming channel has already gone through the biggest blow after suspending the production of their most hyped original shows like Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision, and Loki. The second season of their major original show The Mandalorian is not going to premiere until October, hence, they needed big hit like Hamilton to keep their existing customers intact and to attract new ones.

The Disney+ way version of Hamilton is not a film adaption. It’s actually a stage show from back featuring the original Broadway cast. It was shot over three nights to make the best out of the original theatre. And the best part is; It has the same runtime as the live show.

It’s rare to see such a popular Broadway musical drama getting a widespread release on online channels. It is because most of the producers believe that theatre-turned-digital content would reduce the charm of live performances. Nonetheless, people are excited about seeing this hit musical performance coming to their screens. Considering the geographical limitations as the show only performed in a few cities New York, Chicago and San Francisco, now anyone can enjoy watching the show sitting at their comfortable sofas…

“No other artistic work in the last decade has had the cultural impact of ‘Hamilton’-an inspiring and captivating tale told and performed in a powerfully creative way. In light of the extraordinary challenges facing our world, this story about leadership, tenacity, hope, love and the power of people to unite against the forces of adversity is both relevant and impactful,” said Disney’s CEO in a press conference.

Disney’s decision for having its version of Hamilton comes five years after show’s debut and four years after it was awarded a Pulitzer Prize. However, the Broadways tickets for the musical show is still on high demand and selling for hundreds of dollars.