Warner Bros Halts Release Of The Batman In Russia

“The Batman” is perhaps Warner Bros.’ largest tentpole of 2022, with expectations that it would become the second film since the pandemic began to score a $100 million opening weekend in the United States. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Warner Bros. has halted the release of “The Batman” in Russia.

Warner’s declaration came only an hour after Disney stated that all theatrical releases in Russia would be halted until further notice, including the Pixar film “Turning Red,” which is slated to be distributed globally on Disney+ on March 11. Because Disney+ does not work in Russia, “Turning Red” was slated for a theatrical release.

In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film ‘The Batman’ in Russia. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragedy.

The “Batman” films haven’t done particularly well in Russia in the past. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” only made $12.6 million of its $543 million overseas total there in 2016. The country however remains one of the biggest at the global box office, ranking tenth among all countries in annual overall grosses in 2019.

With hundreds of casualties recorded in Ukraine since the invasion began on February 24, international fury over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war on a sovereign country has prompted a global response that has gone far beyond sanctions imposed by governments throughout the world. FIFA and UEFA confirmed that Russia’s football teams will be banned from international competition indefinitely, barring them from qualifying for this year’s FIFA World Cup.

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