Plymouth drive-in theater joins others in protesting Disney; won't show 'Guardians'

The Marvel movie "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2" is opening this weekend, but about 150 drive-in theaters nationwide won't be showing it on their screens.

Tri-Way Drive-In Theatre in Plymouth is among the theaters protesting Disney's new demands that they say go too far. Marvel is owned by The Walt Disney Company.

According to NBC News, Disney is asking for a larger percentage of sales, longer play times, and they want to be able to choose the co-features.

According to one theater owner, Disney is asking for upwards of 15 percent more than what a normal film would charge.

Theaters say they would have to charge more to make up for the higher film rental fees. By being required to show a film for three or four weeks, they would have less time for other movies.

Tri-Way Drive-In Theatre posted the following message on their Facebook page Thursday:

Dear Fellow Drive In Enthusiasts, Many of you have reached out to inquire as to why we’ve decided not to play Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. While we know that you may be disappointed (we are too!), we have agreed to stand up against the rising demands of Disney and support Drive Ins across the county that simply cannot afford to play this film at their demanding terms. We see a few Drive-Ins permanently close every year and it’s certainly not because they are making too much money. Film Studios, as many of you already know, receive the large majority of each ticket sale; but even still, Disney felt the need to once again increase their take on those sales. Banding together with many other Drive In movie theatres across the country, the Tri-Way Drive In is refusing these terms and taking a stand in support of the Drive In community as a whole. If and when Disney decides to come back down to Earth with their terms then we will gladly play Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 at a future date here at the Tri-Way. This decision isn’t however about the Tri-Way Drive In, or this weekend’s attendance, or even Guardians of the Galaxy… This decision is about the future of Drive Ins and keeping one of America’s great past times safe for many years to come. We do try our hardest to bring in the best Hollywood has to offer every week and we will continue to do so; But we hope you understand our decision on this one and we sure appreciate your continued support, thank you.