Pixar’s inventive animation and compelling stories have never failed to captivate audiences. From Toy Story to Soul, the studio has given us endearing journeys and unforgettable characters. Among the incredible lineup of films, the 2022 fantasy comedy Turning Red has received less attention than it deserves. The film, which had a voice cast of Sandra Oh, will at last have its chance to shine on the big screen after the film was streamed on Disney+ as a result of the pandemic’s impact on the entertainment industry.
This Pixar production, the first feature film directed solely by a woman, will undoubtedly be a delight to see on the big screen. Thanks to a recent theater release date update on February 9, this undiscovered gem will shine like never before. Its US theatrical premiere was originally scheduled for March 11, 2022; however, due to an increase in Omicron variant cases, Disney+ decided on January 7, 2022, to stream it directly to viewers as a Disney+ original.
Sandra Oh’s Underappreciated Pixar Film Finally Got A Theatre Release Date
Directed by Domee Shi, Turning Red is another one of Pixar’s many films that masterfully and entertainingly tackles difficult subjects. Featuring the incredible voice cast of Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, the film is unquestionably one of Pixar’s most underappreciated gems. It is a film that should be widely recognized because of its eccentric plot, gorgeous animation, and masterful fusion of humor and emotion.
We recently learned from The Hollywood Handle that Turning Red will soon open in theaters on February 9, 2024. The original release date in the United States was set for March 11, 2022, by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The Pixar insider confirmed on June 17, 2021, that the movie would be released in theaters after Soul and Luca have both been assigned direct-to-streaming releases on Disney+ due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As per Deadline, on January 7, 2022, it was decided to move Turning Red from its theatrical release to a Disney+ original direct-to-streaming release as the number of Omicron variant cases increased.
Thus, the movie debuted on March 11, 2022, on the Disney+ streaming service. It also debuted in theaters in the majority of nations without Disney+, earning over $20 million and garnering positive reviews.
Turning Red Director Discussed Film Skipping Theatres
The COVID-19 pandemic caused plans for Turning Red‘s original worldwide theatrical release to be rearranged. During that period, Domee Shi, the director, expressed conflicting emotions regarding the movie’s direct release on Disney+. In the end, she expressed to EW her desire for the film to be “seen by as many people as possible”.
She further added:
“When I think about how I developed my relationship with animation, how I fell in love with it was at home, was watching it on VHS, over and over again, pausing the movie, trying to trace over Aladdin’s weird, beautiful face and trying to understand: Why do I feel this way? The idea that audiences, that families and kids can have access to the movie immediately, and they can start developing that relationship already with the film and the characters? I think that’s everything.”
Speaking of casting, the director expressed her affection for Sandra Oh, who played Mei’s mother, Ming Lee, adding:
“I love Sandra Oh. I’ve loved her for such a long time. I love how every role that she took on broke barriers and stereotypes. She was at the top of our list. We needed an actress who had the range to be all of the things that Ming is in the movie: sharp and intimidating, but also loving at the same time. Ming is such a complex, rounded character, and Sandra was the only actress we could think of who could bring that.”
Turning Red, which debuted on Disney+ on March 11, 2022, is about a young girl (Rosalie Chiang) who learns about her family’s curse and, when she gets excited, transforms into a huge red panda.
So, mark February 9th on your calendars and grab some popcorn as Mei Lee takes you on an incredible journey with Turning Red on the big screen!
Also, Turning Red is already streaming on Disney Plus.
