Warner Bros. To Drop 2021 Film Slate On HBO Max And In Theaters Next Year

To say that the pandemic has reshaped how we approach the consumption of cinema would be an understatement. Throughout the year, we have witnessed the delays of many films. One of the most recent developments is that Wonder Woman 1984, which, prior to the pandemic, had been slated to come out in June of this year, was delayed to December 25. This appears to be the release date that will stick, as a commitment was made to also release the film on the HBO Max streaming service while it is in theaters wherever possible. However, that is not where the path ends in regards to HBO Max.

On December 3, Warner Media announced that the films that they have planned for release in 2021 will also drop on HBO Max and in theaters simultaneously. They will remain on the streaming service for a month, and then return about when home media versions are released. Check out the video below:

WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group Chair and CEO Ann Sarnoff said the following:

"No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances."

Warner Media CEO Jason Kilar added:

"After considering all available options and the projected state of moviegoing throughout 2021, we came to the conclusion that this was the best way for WarnerMedia’s motion picture business to navigate the next 12 months."

Warner Bros. Picture Group Chairman Toby Emmerich also added:

"This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021. We have a fantastic, wide ranging slate of titles from talented and visionary filmmakers next year, and we’re excited to be able get these movies in front of audiences around the world."

Below is a list of film titles included in the announcement.

The Little Things (January 29, 2021)

Judas and the Black Messiah 

Tom & Jerry (March 5, 2021)

Godzilla vs. Kong (May 21, 2021)

Mortal Kombat

Those Who Wish Me Dead 

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (June 4, 2021)

In The Heights (June 18, 2021)

Space Jam: A New Legacy (July 16, 2021)

The Suicide Squad (August 6, 2021)

Reminiscence (April 16, 2021)

Malignant

Dune (October 1, 2021)

The Many Saints of Newark (March 21, 2021)

King Richard (November 19, 2021)

Cry Macho

Matrix 4 (December 22, 2021)

The order in which they were mentioned seemed to be the release order. However, after looking up the release dates that have been confirmed, this is a bit complicated by the release dates for Reminiscence and The Many Saints of Newark. Given that the titles listed seem to mostly be in release order, however, it would not be surprising if the release date for that film were pushed back.

This move on Warner Media's part was inevitable, and is actually pretty smart. One cannot help but wonder whether Disney may end up doing something similar in response to this decision.

Source(s): Warner Media