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Why is the movie Greyhound not available?

Published in Film Distribution 2 mins read

Why Is the Movie Greyhound Not Available?

The movie Greyhound is, in fact, available for viewing, but it was released exclusively on Apple TV+ and did not have a traditional theatrical release. This decision stemmed from a strategic move by its original distributor during a period of significant change for the film industry.

The Shift to Exclusive Streaming

Greyhound was initially slated for a theatrical release by Sony Pictures. However, to mitigate potential financial losses and adapt to the evolving global landscape, Sony Pictures made the strategic decision to sell the film's distribution rights.

  • Sale to Apple TV+: Sony Pictures sold Greyhound to Apple TV+ for a rumored $70 million.
  • Exclusive Streaming Release: Following this acquisition, Apple decided to release the film exclusively as a streaming title on its Apple TV+ platform, bypassing cinemas entirely.

This move allowed Apple TV+ to debut a high-profile film starring Tom Hanks, potentially boosting its subscriber base and attracting wider audiences in a competitive streaming market. While convenient for viewers at home, this shift was met with some disappointment from those who anticipated seeing the film on the big screen, including star Tom Hanks himself, who reportedly called the change from a cinematic release an "absolute heartbreak."

Understanding Greyhound's Availability

For audiences looking to watch Greyhound, its availability is solely tied to a subscription to Apple TV+. It is not available for rental or purchase on other digital platforms, nor was it ever shown in movie theaters.

Aspect of Release Original Plan (Pre-Sale) Actual Release (Post-Sale)
Distributor Sony Pictures Apple TV+
Release Method Theatrical Exclusive Streaming
Platform Cinemas Worldwide Apple TV+

This exclusive streaming model became more prevalent for various films during that period as studios navigated widespread cinema closures and uncertainties in the exhibition market. For Greyhound, it meant foregoing a big-screen experience in favor of an immediate, global streaming debut on a specific platform.