Warner Bros. is halting the release of "The Batman" in Russia, just days before it was to open in theaters there, as Hollywood moved to cease distribution plans in the country following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
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Warner Bros., the Walt Disney Co. and Sony Pictures said Monday that they would "pause" the release of their films in Russia. Each studio has significant upcoming releases that had been set to debut internationally in the coming weeks. "The Batman," one of the year's more anticipated films, launches Friday in North America and many overseas territories, including Russia.
Warner Bros.' move closely followed a similar decision Monday by the Walt Disney Co. The studio had planned to open the Pixar film "Turning Red" in Russia on March 10. That film is going straight to Disney+ in the US. Before Disney's announcement, Warner Bros. had been expected to proceed with the Russian release of "The Batman."
The Motion Picture Association said Monday that it "stands with the international community in upholding the rule of law and condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
After Disney and Warner Bros. made their announcements, Sony followed suit.
