Disney and IMAX are in the middle of a public disagreement, though the precise details of the dispute have not been fully disclosed by either party. The clash, which IGN has reported on, appears to center on how Disney’s biggest films are handled in IMAX theaters — a relationship that has historically been lucrative for both sides.

Without official confirmation from Disney or IMAX, the exact terms and triggers of the conflict remain unclear. But the broad outlines are familiar to anyone who follows the movie business. Studios and premium large-format chains periodically renegotiate release windows, revenue splits, and exclusivity clauses. Disney’s massive slate of Marvel, Star Wars, and animated titles makes it one of IMAX’s most important partners. Any hiccup in that relationship sends ripples through the industry.

IMAX theaters command a premium ticket price — often 40 to 60 percent more than a standard ticket — and audiences expect a certain level of visual spectacle. Disney, in turn, relies on IMAX to deliver the kind of immersive experience that drives opening-weekend hype. The clash likely involves how much of that premium IMAX keeps versus what Disney takes home. When a studio feels its film is the draw, it wants a larger share. When a theater chain believes its presentation is the draw, it pushes back.

A second area of tension could be exclusivity. IMAX has long fought to keep its screens reserved for films that take full advantage of the format. But Disney has experimented with releasing movies simultaneously on Disney+ (especially during the pandemic) and, more recently, with shortened theatrical windows. If Disney wants to put a film in IMAX for only a week before shifting to streaming, that undercuts IMAX’s value proposition. Audiences who pay extra for IMAX want to see the film there first, not wait a few days to watch it at home.

There is also the question of format optimization. IMAX works closely with filmmakers to remaster or shoot in its proprietary aspect ratio. These IMAX-enhanced versions often require additional audio mixing and color grading. If Disney reduces the number of films it submits for IMAX treatment — or demands shorter turnaround times — the relationship frays. IMAX prides itself on technical rigor; Disney may view that rigor as an unnecessary cost for films that could perform fine in standard digital projection.

The conflict is not unique to Disney. Warner Bros. and Universal have also had public spats with exhibition chains over revenue splits and windowing. But Disney’s sheer market share makes this clash more consequential. IMAX needs Disney’s titles to fill its screens; Disney needs IMAX to maintain the blockbuster aura of its biggest releases. Both sides have leverage, and neither can afford a permanent rupture.

What this means for moviegoers is less clear. If the dispute escalates, future Disney releases might skip IMAX entirely, or appear on the format with limited runs. Alternatively, the two sides could reach a new deal that sets a precedent for other studios. IGN’s coverage suggests the story is developing, and more details may emerge as negotiations continue.

For now, the clash is a reminder that the economics of theatrical exhibition remain fragile. Streaming has fundamentally altered how studios value box-office revenue, and premium formats like IMAX must justify their premium pricing with experiences that cannot be replicated on a television. Disney, with its dual focus on streaming and theatrical, is caught in the middle. Its latest films — from animated features to live-action remakes — will be the test case for whether the IMAX relationship can survive the transition.

We will update this report as official statements become available or as the terms of any new agreement are made public.