Ms. Marvel Makes Disney+ History With Special Theatrical Release

By Pierre Chanliau Updated:
WandaVision Ms. Marvel Loki Iman Vellani

Fans are both excited and nervous about Marvel Studios' next Disney+ series, Ms. Marvel. They are excited due to it introducing a fan-favorite character from the comics but nervous due to the series drastically changing the titular character's superpowers.

But everyone is happy to see Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, who's been nothing but delightful in interviews and looks to be having a great time in the role. Many are also excited to see a Pakistani actress leading a series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and who will also soon co-star in the blockbuster sequel The Marvels, alongside Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris.

However, since Disney+ is still not available in all territories, like Pakistan, many fans will miss out on this series. But it seems that Disney and Marvel have a solution.

A Gift Post-Eid for Pakistani Fans

Ms Marvel
Marvel

Ms. Marvel director Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has announced that due to Disney+ not being available in Pakistan yet, The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Studios will release Ms. Marvel through Pakistan cinemas. 

The plan will be for a "cinema format version" of the six-episode series to be released in three parts in cinemas in Pakistan over the course of several weeks, with the first two episodes releasing on Thursday, June 16, the next two episodes on Thursday, June 30, and the last two episodes on Thursday, July 14.

This marks the first time that a Marvel Studios Disney+ series will receive a country-wide theatrical release.

The full announcement can be read below:

"BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

I have exciting news to share: An Eid present for Pakistan!! We are bringing Ms.Marvel to theaters across the country!!
Marvel Studios’ "Ms. Marvel" to be Released in Cinemas in Pakistan

The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Studios have a special announcement to make. Marvel Studios' new original series "Ms. Marvel" will be released exclusively in cinemas only in Pakistan, through their licensee HKC Entertainment.

Disney and Marvel will be specially creating a cinema format version of the six-episode series for Pakistan, split into three parts as follows:

Episodes 1 and 2 will debut on 16th June

Episodes 3 and 4 will debut on 30th June

Episodes 5 and 6 will debut on 14th July

This decision was made to celebrate the introduction of the first Pakistani Marvel superhero, Kamala Khan (played by Iman Vellani), into the MCU. The series also features a diverse cast both in front of and behind the camera. Disney and Marvel did not want Pakistani audiences to miss out on seeing Ms. Marvel and her story as Disney+ has not yet launched in their country."

Slow Roll Out for Disney+

It's funny that the last time a Marvel-affiliated company did a theatrical release like this for a series was for Marvel Television: the first two episodes of Inhumans for IMAX. This is especially ironic since, in the comics, Kamala Khan is an Inhuman, but that might be changed for the MCU.

However, it's appreciative that Disney and Marvel decided to go the extra mile to give fans in Pakistan the chance to watch Ms. Marvel. Disney does have plans to extend its streaming service to international markets throughout June, but Pakistan isn't on the list quite yet, hence this unorthodox release.

Fans who have access to Disney+ will be able to begin watching Ms. Marvel on Wednesday, June 8.

- About The Author: Pierre Chanliau
Pierre Chanliau began as a news & feature writer for The Direct at the site's launch in 2020. As a longtime reader of superhero comic books, Pierre's knowledge of Marvel and DC is extensive, informing his reporting and editorial pieces regarding the MCU and DCU.