Netflix becomes the latest major media company to suspend projects in Russia
Netflix has become the latest major media conglomerate to halt all projects and acquisitions in Russia in response to the ongoing “humanitarian crisis” in Ukraine.
It is understood that the streaming giant made the decision while assessing the impact of the ongoing events.
It comes as military forces continue their attacks on the country, at the behest of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Netflix previously said it had “no plans” to make 20 free-to-air TV channels in Russia that Russian law might require.
Warner Bros. says it is pausing the release of superhero blockbuster The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz, in Russia (Ian West/PA)
Several channels, including news, sports and entertainment, are believed to be affiliated with the Russian authorities.
Other Hollywood-based entertainment giants, including Universal, Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, The Walt Disney Company and Paramount Pictures have announced that they will be shutting down their Russian operations as of now.
A spokesperson for Universal Pictures said: “In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Universal Pictures has halted plans for a theatrical release in Russia.
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Universal Pictures has halted plans for a theatrical release in Russia.Universal Studios Spokesperson
On Tuesday, Paramount Pictures announced that the highly anticipated action comedy The Lost City – starring Channing Tatum, Sandra Bullock and Daniel Radcliffe – will not be shown in Russia.
Similarly, they have paused the release of Sonic The Hedgehog 2, which stars the voices of Idris Elba and Jim Carrey.
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“As we witness the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, we have decided to pause theatrical screening of our upcoming films in Russia, including The Lost City and Sonic the Hedgehog,” the studio said. 2.
“We stand with all those affected by the humanitarian crisis across Ukraine, Russia and our international markets and will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds.”
Warner Bros. has also said it is pausing the release of superhero blockbuster The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz.
Sony Pictures has produced its own vampire superhero movie Morbius, starring Jared Leto.
In addition to pausing the release of its films, Disney said it will work with its charity partners to provide “emergency assistance and other humanitarian assistance” to refugees.
Tech giants Apple, Google and Twitter have also cut back on their business in Russia since the start of the conflict.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/netflix-becomes-latest-major-media-company-to-pause-projects-in-russia-41405548.html Netflix becomes the latest major media company to suspend projects in Russia
