Disney enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the streaming release of the 100th animated film, Wish, may find themselves waiting a bit longer, as recent updates hint at a delayed arrival on Disney+.
Despite the film’s theatrical release in November 2022, which it marked a significant milestone for the Walt Disney Company, Wish faced criticism and fell short at the box office.
The monthly streaming release slate for February 2024 was unveiled on Disney+’s official YouTube channel, showcasing anticipated titles making their way to the platform. However, much to the surprise of fans, Wish was conspicuously absent from the lineup. While major productions like The Marvels and Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 are set to grace Disney+ in February, the omission of Wish raises questions about the film’s streaming debut.
Speculation has arisen regarding the potential release date for Wish on Disney+. Initial predictions, based on Disney’s typical turnaround from theatrical to streaming releases, suggested a late February arrival. However, with the film missing from the official release slate, it remains uncertain when audiences can expect to see Wish on the streaming platform.
The possibility of a late-month surprise release for Wish hasn’t been ruled out, but as of now, it seems unlikely to hit screens in the coming weeks. This potential delay could signal a strategic shift by Disney, possibly aimed at enticing viewers back to theaters. The trend of quick transitions from theaters to streaming, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, may be under review.
Interestingly, The Marvels, which premiered just two weeks before Wish, is part of Disney+’s February streaming lineup. This discrepancy suggests that if Wish doesn’t make a late February appearance, it is likely to feature in the March batch of streaming releases. Another factor to consider is the introduction of Iwájú, an original TV series from Walt Disney Animation scheduled for a late February release.
The decision to avoid a crowded release schedule by giving each project its own space might be influencing the delay in Wish’s streaming debut. As Disney carefully navigates its animation releases, fans will have to exercise patience as they await the digital premiere of Wish on Disney+.