Disney Plus removed Anastasia from its catalogue

In a wave of sanctions against Russia for unleashing the war in Ukraine, Disney+’s decision generated some controversy.

Recall that Anastasia is based on an adaptation of a Russian legend, according to which Grand Duchess Anastasia was able to escape the execution of the Romanov family by the Bolsheviks in 1918.

This was the first film produced by Fox Animation Studios and was directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, former Disney animation directors. It featured the voices of Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer and Christopher Lloyd, among others.

Anastasia had a budget of 50 million dollars, achieving a collection of 140 million dollars. It was nominated for Oscars for Best Music for a Musical or Comedy and Best Song, Journey to the Past.

Disney +, Anastasia and the war in Ukraine, is it one more retaliation?

What for many is one more retaliation of the West against Russia, for Disney it is only a contractual issue. According to Indie Wire, citing the Whats on Disney Plus blog, it’s due to a dispute over the film’s American broadcast rights.

From March 18 it will be in the Starz catalogue, the blog states in its publication.

“Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox was an extremely complicated deal, involving many movies and shows that were co-produced with other studios, so this likely won’t be the last time a movie has been pulled due to to a pre-existing contract,” published Indie Wire.

In fact, the film is not available in the United States, but it is in other regions, such as Latin America.

Disney’s support for Ukrainian refugees

In the context of the war in Ukraine, Disney adopted a position united with that of the US government and other Western countries. The company promised not to release any upcoming films in Vladimir Putin’s country, devoting resources to helping Ukrainian refugees.

One of the Disney films that will not be released in Russia is Pixar’s Turning Red. “Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are halting the theatrical release of films in Russia, including Turning Red,” the company said in a statement.

“We will make future business decisions based on the evolution of the situation. In the meantime, given the magnitude of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our partner NGOs to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.”