All the Warner Bros. Movies That Will Hit HBO Max & Theaters on Same Day in 2021
The big news to hit the entertainment world yesterday was that Warner Bros. will be sending all 17 of their 2021 films—including Dune, The Matrix 4, and The Suicide Squad—to HBO Max the same day they hit theaters. This unprecedented move, coming at the end of a year ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, was foregrounded by their decision to have Wonder Woman 1984 hit HBO Max on Christmas Day as well as theaters. The studio has announced that their 17-film slate will stream on HBO Max for a one-month window starting on the same day the films arrive in theaters.
The slate is a massive one for Warner Bros., with some of their most hotly anticipated films in years coming out. Those include the aforementioned sci-fi blockbusters Dune, Denis Villeneuve’s reboot of the Frank Herbert sci-fi series last adapted by David Lynch, and Lana Wachowski’s The Matrix 4, which reunites Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss. There’s a lot more. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, Adam Wingard’s Godzilla vs. Kong, and John M. Chu’s In The Heights (adapted on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s play).
The rest of the slate includes Space Jam: A New Legacy, Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Reminiscence, Malignant, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard and Cry Macho.
What does this mean for the theaters? Here’s what Toby Emmerich, Warner Bros. Pictures Group chairman, told The Hollywood Reporter:
“It allows us to do a global release and a national release in what we think is going to be a checkerboarded theatrical market place for the bulk of 2021. We think where theaters are open, and consumers can go, that a lot of people will choose to go to the theater, especially for big movies.”
The decision came after Warner Bros. consulted with epidemiologists about the coming vaccines. The idea is this is a one-year solution while theaters are still operating at reduced capacity, but it’s unclear if you can unring this bell. Here’s what WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar said in a statement:
“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. More importantly, we are planning to bring consumers 17 remarkable movies throughout the year, giving them the choice and the power to decide how they want to enjoy these films. Our content is extremely valuable, unless it’s sitting on a shelf not being seen by anyone. We believe this approach serves our fans, supports exhibitors and filmmakers, and enhances the HBO Max experience, creating value for all.”
This video from HBO Max highlights Warner Bros. game-changing decision:
For more on HBO Max, check out these stories:
“Wonder Woman 1984” Runtime Reveals a Meaty Sequel
“Wonder Woman 1984” Will Boast 4K Ultra HD & Dolby Atmos for HBO Max Premiere
New “Wonder Woman 1984” Trailer Reveals Christmas Day HBO Max Release
Here’s What’s Coming to HBO Max in December
“Let Them All Talk” Trailer Reveals Meryl Streep & Steven Soderbergh’s Latest Collab
Zack Snyder Reveals New “Justice League” Teaser With Fresh Footage
Featured image: Caption: TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET as Paul Atreides in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure “DUNE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures
