Malaysia Cancels ‘Thor: Love And Thunder’ Release

“Thor: Love and Thunder,” the fourth installment in the Thor franchise, is still a huge hit around the world. However, it appears that some sort of obstacle is on the way. Malaysian theatre operator Golden Screen Cinemas has confirmed that “Thor: Love and Thunder” will not be released theatrically in the country.

According to Variety, this follows the announcement two weeks ago that the film will be postponed indefinitely.

“Dear valued customers, please be informed that Disney has updated that Marvel Studios’ Thor Love and Thunder’ will not be releasing in Malaysia after all. We appreciate your patience and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

It concluded with the rejoinder, “Please buy our merchandise, OK.”  That is the second witty remark from the country’s largest movie theatre chain in less than a week. Shortly after Marvel Studios’ Comic-Con presentation, GSC disseminated the Marvel film release schedule, but left out “Thor.”

Taika Waititi directed the film, which was released on July 8 in North America and has grossed $283 million to date. “Thor” has now accumulated $685 million worldwide. The postponement move is the second lost release of a Disney-handled movie in Malaysia in the space of two months.

The release of Pixar animation “Lightyear” in Malaysia was halted in June because the country’s censorship authority (LPF) requested cuts to the film, which included a same-sex kiss, in order for the film to get release certification. Disney refuses to make the edits and is scheduled to release “Lightyear” immediately on the Disney+ Hotstar streaming service. Malaysia was one of nearly twenty nations, mostly Muslim-majority, that protested to the homosexual tinges of “Lightyear.”

GSC’s pain at the loss of another major Hollywood title reflects the economic harm done to Malaysian theatres by on-and-off COVID control measures over the past two years. Cinema admissions dropped from an annual average of 77 million in 2017-2019 to just 3.72 million in 2021. Exhibitors also complain that the country’s theatrical window has been cut in half, from 90 days to 45 days.

Disney made no remark on “Thor,” but announced that the film will not be released. To get the latest updates, keep an eye on Thirsty.

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