Disney Film 'Onward' Gets Early Release on Disney+ Streaming Service

Disney will make its animated film Onward available for digital download today (March 20) and on streaming service Disney+ on April 3, the company said Friday.

The Pixar-produced film, which debuted in theaters March 6, is the latest film Disney is offering via on demand or through its streaming services well within its traditional 90-day theatrical window in the wake of recent closing of major movie theater chains to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.  Disney last week moved up the premiere of Frozen 2 on Disney+ to March 15, three months ahead of its originally scheduled premiere.

“While we’re looking forward to audiences enjoying our films on the big screen again soon, given the current circumstances, we are pleased to release this fun, adventurous film to digital platforms early for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their homes,” said Onward director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae in a statement. 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.