Disney and Pixar fans are hyped up because Onward is headed to video on demand today. The news comes as a bit of a surprise as it was one of the last Disney projects to hit the screen in theaters. Complications around the coronavirus have shifted not only entertainment, but also the world, and the company is trying to adapt. The move follows Disney deciding to release Frozen 2 on Disney+ early and also speeding up the home availability of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker as well. More and more studios are shifting their strategy to this line of thinking.
Dan Scanlon directed the film, and he addressed the move to bring it home for viewers during a difficult time. “While we’re looking forward to audiences enjoying our films on the big screen again soon, given the current circumstances, we are pleased to release this fun, adventurous film to digital platforms early for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.” It is a good message for fans who might not have been able to get to a theater before the closures began.
Videos by ComicBook.com
As an added bonus, Onward will be heading to Disney+ on April 3rd. That way, people who are already paying for their subscription service can opt to watch the movie that way. It might end up being a boost for the company after coronavirus directly affected Onward‘s box office performance. The film had a steep drop from over the weekend to Tuesday of this week. Onward made $49 million at the domestic box office over the weekend and other $3 million on Monday. But, on Tuesday, it only brought in $1.2 million as more states began to close theaters.
#PixarOnward is coming to the US tonight on digital download and will be streaming on #DisneyPlus on April 3rd. pic.twitter.com/FA8m8OR9Cp
โ Disney and Pixar’s Onward (@pixaronward) March 20, 2020
On the plus side, now a bunch more people will get to see the film that a lot of people poured their hard work into. Comicbook.com’s Charlie Ridgely called Onward a “weird and wonderful tale of brotherhood in his review”:
He said, “You’re not going to have the exact same reaction to Onward that I do, because we’re all different people who carry different stories into the theater, but it’s sure to make you feel something. Personal experience is the heart beating at the center of Scanlon’s film, and no matter what you’re bringing to the table, it’s going to find a way to stick with you. There are a couple of speed bumps in the first act that cause a slow start to the film, but the world created and the expertly crafted finale make it more than worth the wait. Onward is a treasure that will connect with Pixar fans for quite a long time.”
Are you watching Onward tonight or waiting for Disney+? Let us know in the comments! Check out some of the responses down below:
The HYPE is real
#OnwardPixar being released on Disney+ on April 3rd?!? Thatโs something to look forward to!!! pic.twitter.com/HcHPNLefPX
โ Lisa Tensi (@LisaTensi) March 20, 2020
Parent rejoice!
Are your kids driving you crazy yet?? Well great news for you, Onward is available for digital download tonight AND coming to Disney+ on April 3rd!! #OnwardPixar #Onward #QuarantineLife pic.twitter.com/T1pq0tGkKF
โ Jennifer Migita (@Jennifer_Migita) March 20, 2020
Stay at home quest…ACCEPTED
Yeas!!!! Love an early release of a daring new story to help us all on our stay at home quest!!! #DisneyPlus #OnwardPixar #StayAtHomeChallenge https://t.co/uSBWEahBa3
โ Carrie Z (@CZimmon7) March 20, 2020
Just makes you feel good.
Super excited to get to watch Onward as often as we want now. Saw it opening weekend at the drive-in and we all loved it ๐๐๐@prattprattpratt @TomHolland1996 #DisneyPlus #OnwardPixar pic.twitter.com/jQIFAqhdwM
โ Kent Osleger (@KentOsleger) March 20, 2020
People want to see how far this can go…
@disneyplus when can we get @starwars #RiseofSkywalker streaming?! thank you so much for doing @pixaronward #OnwardPixar! Can we @DisneysMulan streaming too? pic.twitter.com/SEZ6baJzO4
โ Jessica Dickson (@jjd022980) March 20, 2020
Just a great day for fans of all stripes!
Animal Crossing AND Onward in one day?! Yes please! Todayโs self-isolation just got so much better! #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons #ACNH #Onward #OnwardPixar
โ JonasAlmostFamous (@JonaAlmostFame) March 20, 2020
The director thanks everyone
Making this movie brought the cast & crew a lot of joy, we hope it can do the same for you ๐ #onward https://t.co/t90JpQGY8A
โ Dan Scanlon (@MrDanScanlon) March 20, 2020