Three Apple original films to hit theaters this fall ahead of Apple TV+ debut

Theatrical release dates for Apple original films "The Banker," "Hala" and "The Elephant Queen" have been set ahead of their respective debuts on subscription video service Apple TV+, the first of which will hit cinemas in October.

Citing sources familiar with Apple's original content plans, Variety reports the tech giant has enlisted the help of small distribution houses in an effort to stage theatrical showings of its content across the U.S.

Wildlife documentary "The Elephant Queen" will be the first of Apple's films to go curtains-up at theaters on Oct. 18, the report said. Apple's first major property purchase, the documentary by British filmmakers Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble tracks a small elephant herd, and particularly a mother nicknamed Athena, through a perilous drought-stricken journey of survival.

Indie stalwart A24 is assisting with distribution for "The Elephant Queen," which is expected to stream on Apple TV+ on Nov. 1. The studio inked a five-film, multi-year deal with Apple that includes Sofia Coppola's "On the Rocks."

Jada Pinkett Smith-produced drama "Hala" will reach theaters on Nov. 22 ahead of a streaming release in December. Picked up at the Sundance Film Festival, "Hala" focuses on a teenage Muslim girl who navigates the discordant worlds of a traditional household and a modern high school in Chicago. Greenwich Entertainment is assisting Apple on release.

Finally, period piece "The Banker" will make its theatrical debut on Dec. 6. The film, which stars Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as real estate and finance moguls in the Jim Crow era, is being pushed to market with consultation from Bleecker Street and should arrive on Apple TV+ in January, the report said.

Details from Variety follow an earlier Wall Street Journal report that noted Apple was in talks to bring a selection of its original films to cinemas around the country.

Following their theatrical runs, Apple's films will be made available to iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac owners via Apple TV+, the company's upcoming subscription video service. Announced at a special event in March, Apple TV+ will provide access to original content purchased or produced by Apple starting Nov. 1 for a $4.99 monthly fee. As the service is currently in its early stages with only a handful of shows and movies expected at launch, Apple is offering a year of free service with qualifying iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac and iPod purchases.

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21 Comments

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AppleExposed 6 Years · 1805 comments

About 5 years ago

Great for awareness.

Strange they're taking this long to announce the theatrical releases. Usually movies get trailers and theatrical dates 6 months to a year in advance.

❄️

leavingthebigg 11 Years · 1291 comments

This is a great stealth move that shows Apple still has the ability to surprise!

Also, this Friday reveal means bearish analysts will have to rush to get their detailed takedown articles written for Sunday publication and to schedule Monday morning seats in front of CNBC’s cameras for knowledgeable commentary on why Apple chose the wrong movies to debut.

Last, I’m wondering if there will be an augmented reality app and/or book that ties into The Elephant Queen movie.

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CloudTalkin 5 Years · 918 comments

AppleExposed said:

Great for awareness.

Strange they're taking this long to announce the theatrical releases. Usually movies get trailers and theatrical dates 6 months to a year in advance.

These aren't normal theatrical releases. They are limited run releases similar to what Netflix has been doing with certain films they want to get Oscar consideration. For instance from Sept. 27 through Nov. 27 Netflix will release 10 new movies to theaters for varying lengths of time before the films show on the streaming service.

Some studios do the opposite with smaller films. They will release them in theaters and on-demand for cable packages.

CloudTalkin said:

AppleExposed said:

Great for awareness.

Strange they're taking this long to announce the theatrical releases. Usually movies get trailers and theatrical dates 6 months to a year in advance.

These aren't normal theatrical releases. They are limited run releases similar to what Netflix has been doing with certain films they want to get Oscar consideration. For instance from Sept. 27 through Nov. 27 Netflix will release 10 new movies to theaters for varying lengths of time before the films show on the streaming service.

Some studios do the opposite with smaller films. They will release them in theaters and on-demand for cable packages.

Still a "theatrical release".

🍪

AppleExposed said:

CloudTalkin said:

AppleExposed said:

Great for awareness.

Strange they're taking this long to announce the theatrical releases. Usually movies get trailers and theatrical dates 6 months to a year in advance.

These aren't normal theatrical releases. They are limited run releases similar to what Netflix has been doing with certain films they want to get Oscar consideration. For instance from Sept. 27 through Nov. 27 Netflix will release 10 new movies to theaters for varying lengths of time before the films show on the streaming service.

Some studios do the opposite with smaller films. They will release them in theaters and on-demand for cable packages.

Still a "theatrical release".

Yes it is. But no studio, Apple included, is going to make that kind of financial commitment for a limited opening/limited run feature. Remeber, we're not talking wide release. This is opening in select cities (maybe LA, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, and NY... idk) in a few theaters for a couple of weeks. Think art house release, not blockbuster.