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When Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is unleashed this Friday, the Disney superhero sequel will be absent from some Northeast Ohio drive-in theaters.
New demands from Disney mean many drive-ins are refusing to show the film, including local theaters Mayfield Road and Midway.
“Disney is looking for higher film rental from us,” John Knepp, owner of Mayfield Road and Midway, said.
“They’re looking for longer play time and they’re looking to pick our co-features.”
Knepp said they simply can’t afford to comply with Disney’s plan.
If drive-ins pay higher film rental, they’ll have to charge more for admission.
According to Knepp, Disney is asking for upwards of 15 percent more than what a normal film would charge.
Requiring a three to four week play time would mean less time for other movies. Normally, films only have a two-week long run period.
Disney is also asking drive-ins to play a documentary called ‘Born in China’ as a co-feature with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. ‘Born in China’ is a nature documentary highlighting monkeys, pandas and leopards.
Disney film or not, the decision to boycott hasn’t taken away the nostalgia of drive-ins. Instead, it’s drawn criticism of Disney.
“Disney makes plenty of money,” one person writes on Facebook. “Don’t take away the affordable fun of good old family fun!”
SAINTS OR SINNERS: Northeast Ohio Drive-In Theaters Take Stance Against Disney was originally published on praisecleveland.com
