WB putting ALL major 2021 films (including GODZILLA VS. KONG, DUNE, MATRIX 4.) on HBO Max

WB putting ALL major 2021 films (including GODZILLA VS. KONG, DUNE, MATRIX 4.) on HBO Max

The Coronavirus has really done a number on the movie theater industry. Major movie studios have faced difficult decisions on what to do with blockbuster films, many pushing them back multiple times, or in some cases delaying them indefinitely. In some cases they’ve taken these productions to streaming services, usually resulting in heavy losses on their expected return. Warner Brothers had already announced at least one major release heading to their HBO Max streaming service in WONDER WOMAN 1984 this Christmas, and now it looks like they’ve taken things one big step further. The studio revealed today that all of their major 2021 movie releases will debut simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters, meaning you get to choose where and how you want to see it – if you subscribe to HBO Max, you will be able to see these films at no additional cost, for the first month of release. This is a monumental move by a major film studio, and will undoubtedly make all other studios take note. It also means subscriptions for HBO Max are likely to go through the roof.

Some of the movies included in the list of available films for 2021 include the following:

THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT
CRY MACHO
DUNE
GODZILLA VS. KONG
IN THE HEIGHTS
JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
KING RICHARD
THE LITTLE THINGS
MALIGNANT
THE MATRIX 4
MORTAL KOMBAT
REMINISCENCE
THE SAINTS OF NEWARK
SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY
THE SUICIDE SQUAD
THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD
TOM & JERRY

You cannot underestimate what a huge move this is for Hollywood and major theatrical releases, and could potentially change things movie forward. As someone who loves and frequently works with movie theaters, I can only imagine this is rather devastating for them, as it potentially takes a large portion of their revenue away. But things being what they are, it does feel like this is the natural next step. It also increasing the risk for the studios when it comes to pirating, as the films will be shown on HBO Max in 4K Ultra HD and HDR, meaning torrents of these film would be instantly available at the best possible quality – hopefully the studio can find ways to crack down on illegal distribution and pirating in these matters, but it’s definitely a major concern.

Subscribers to HBO Max will have access to these news releases for one month, and then the movies will leave the service and continue theatrically in the U.S. and international territories, with all customary distribution windows applying to the title. Warner Bros. Chair and CEO Ann Sarnoff was quoted to say:

“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group. 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.”

Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group 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. And, as always, we’ll support all of our releases with innovative and robust marketing campaigns for their theatrical debuts, while highlighting this unique opportunity to see our films domestically via HBO Max as well.”

How do you feel about this move, watching major first-run releases at home using a streaming service? And do you feel this is a good or bad move for the motion picture industry? Sound off below in the comments.

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About the Author

Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff.