LOS ANGELES, May 3 (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co's
Marvel Studios on Monday encouraged superhero fans to return to
movie theaters, a show of support for pandemic-battered cinemas
trying to stage a comeback amid competition from streaming
services.
"See you at the movies," said a three-minute-long trailer
designed to stir excitement for 10 upcoming Marvel films
including "Black Widow," "Eternals" and a "Black Panther"
sequel.
The video also showed footage from inside a theater of fans
reacting to the decisive battle scene in "Avengers: Endgame" in
April 2019.
The future of movie theaters is uncertain after extended
closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Independent operators and large chains including AMC
Entertainment, Cineworld Plc and Cinemark
Holdings Inc hope that blockbusters from Marvel and
others will help lure audiences back.
At the same time, Disney and other media companies are
investing billions to compete with Netflix Inc and
provide consumers with plenty of options to stream at home.
Disney is offering "Black Widow" for a $30 charge through
the Disney+ streaming services on the same day it debuts in
theaters in July.
No similar plans have been announced for any of the nine
other upcoming films that Marvel previewed on Monday. The movies
are scheduled for release over the next two years.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
