. Then the distribution strategy got creative. Other films were sold to and distributed by streaming services –coming this summer to Amazon Prime, were delayed to 2021 or later , or were released in 2020 through video on demand rather than theatrically. Given the publicly confirmed details about inclusive LGBTQ characters, it is clear that 2020 was set to be a game changing year for a variety of queer stories at the box office.
One of two movies released last year by STX Films were LGBTQ-inclusive ; followed by two of five films from The Walt Disney Studios ; two of six films from Paramount Pictures ; one of four films from United Artists Releasing ; two of 10 films from Sony Pictures Entertainment ; one of 10 films from Universal Pictures , and none of the three films released by Lionsgate . The report noted, however, that Lionsgate has released a dozen LGBTQ-inclusive films since its founding in 1997.
The percentage of studio films that have passed the test has been steadily on the rise in recent years. Last year, it was 90%; in 2019 it was 73%, which was up from 65% in 2018; 64% in 2017; 39% in 2016, and just 36% in 2015. the confirmation moment was incredibly quick and there were no further allusions in the rest of the film – a missed opportunity, as a good chunk of her story was focused on her life after breaking up with long-term boyfriend, The Joker.both clocked more than ten minutes but were entirely offensive in their handling of their gay characters.