While theatrical is often thought of as the barometer of a film’s success, it is often the ancillary markets which drive profit or loss. Deals for EST, video, cable TV, PPV, airlines, etc. are based on box office revenue. If I’m one of these ancillary components and I know that a certain title has debuted on Disney+, you can rest assured I will be negotiating a lower rental fee than if it had grossed $750 million around the world.
Source: Why The Movie Studios’ Stance On VOD And Streaming Shouldn’t Be Cause For Exhibition Panic