- "
Luca " will play at one theater, the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, beginning June 18. - There are no plans for the movie to play anywhere else, Insider has learned.
- Insider reported in April that
Pixar staffers were frustrated theirmovies weren't in theaters.
For those who really want to see the next Pixar movie in a theater make sure you're in Hollywood starting June 18.
The historic El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles will be the only big screen in the country showing "Luca," which follows two boys who are really sea monsters, as of right now.
But it is significant, as this marks the first time since the pandemic began over a year ago that a Pixar movie will be shown in a US theater.
According to the El Capitan website, the movie will have a run from June 18-24. Tickets are now available.
Also beginning June 18, "Luca" will be available on
Pixar staffers were frustrated their movies weren't in theaters
Back in April, Insider reported that some staff, even CCO Pete Docter, were frustrated that their recent movies didn't get theatrical releases. Instead, they've played exclusively on Disney Plus, including Docter's Oscar-winning "Soul."
Though "Soul" was released overseas, here in the States, a Pixar movie hasn't shown on the big screen since "Onward" opened in March just before the pandemic hit. It became Pixar's lowest debut ever in terms of ticket sales, Forbes said, and eventually earned a little over $60 million at the domestic box office.
Due to the pandemic, Pixar's next film "Soul," centered on an aspiring jazz musician whose life was cut short, became the first Pixar movie in the company's 26-year history to not open in theaters.
Many at the company believed once it was time for "Luca" to open, the very next film on their slate, Disney would allow Pixar movies to go back on the big screen.
However, in late March Disney announced that "Luca," would be released only on Disney Plus."We don't want to be a title just on Disney Plus," one staffer, who was working on several of Pixar's coming feature films, told Insider. "These movies are crafted for the big screen. We want you to watch these movies with no distractions, no looking at your phones."
Don't expect 'Luca' playing in more theaters, owners say
Disney showing "Luca" at the El Capitan is not a major surprise for those in the industry as the studio has been a major backer of the theater for decades.
In 1989, the Walt Disney Company helped launch a two-year restoration of the historic movie house. In 1991, when it reopened, Disney had the world premiere of "The Rocketeer" there. Ever since then, the El Capitan has been home to many other Disney premieres and exclusive runs.
It's likely this location will be the only place "Luca" will have a theatrical run for the foreseeable future. Several theater owners Insider contacted said there is no indication that Disney is planning to offer the movie to any other theaters.
Insider contacted Disney and Pixar to comment for this story and didn't get a response.