Hollywood Cracks Down on Russia as Armies Batter Ukraine
By Movieguide® Contributor
The entertainment industry is cracking down on Russia amid their ongoing invasion of Ukraine. From pulling movies out of Russian theaters, to canceling events in the country, the world is sending a message.
Artists like Imagine Dragons, Green Day, AJR, Eric Clapton, and Louis Tomlinson have all canceled shows in Russian and Ukrainian cities in light of the conflict.
“With heavy hearts, in light of current events we feel it is necessary to cancel our upcoming show in Moscow at Spartak Stadium,” Green Day said in a statement about the canceled shows.
“We are aware that this moment is not about stadium rock shows, it’s much bigger than that,” the statement continued. “But we also know that rock and roll is forever and we feel confident there will be a time and a place for us to return in the future,” the band continued. “Refunds available at the point of purchase. Stay safe.”
In addition to canceled concerts, Russia is also losing out in movies. The Cannes Film Festival just announced that Russian delegates will not be welcome this year, while studios like Disney, Sony, Warner Bros, and Paramount are pulling their movies from Russian theaters.
Movieguide® previously reported on studios’ debate over whether or not to stop showing their movies in Russia:
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, movie studios are wondering whether they should pull all upcoming releases from Russia.
“We urge you to terminate all contracts with them,” a petition from the Ukrainian Film Academy reads. “Remember that the business that will use your films pays taxes to the Russian budget, which finances the army that violated the borders of an independent state and buys missiles to bomb the civilian population of Europe.”
Warner Bros. pulled THE BATMAN ahead of its scheduled release March 3.
“In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film ‘The Batman’ in Russia,” a spokesperson said.
Additionally, Disney announced it was pulling TURNING RED.
“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the theatrical release of films in Russia,” Disney said in a statement.
The Russian box office can be very lucrative for studios; SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME earned $44.5 million in the country, and is still making money.
While many are calling for the studios to boycott Russia, box office sources told The Hollywood Reporter that it can be difficult to pull a movie from theaters at the last minute. Studio sources also shared that Russian theaters are privately owned, not controlled by Vladmir Putin’s government. However, many of the media advertising platforms are.
Other entertainment companies are putting their own sanctions on Russia. Live Nation Entertainment announced, “We will not promote shows in Russia, and we will not do business with Russia. We’re in the process of reviewing our vendors so we can cease work with any and all Russian-based suppliers.”
Google, TikTok, YouTube, DirecTV and Meta, have restricted access to RT America, a Russian state-owned media outlet, while Netflix is pledging to cease broadcasting 20 Russian state TV channels that they are required by law to air.
The list of companies that are ending their associations with Russia is long, and growing every day as people around the world stand up against Russia.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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