Warner Brothers Releasing All New Movies Directly Onto HBO Max In 2021
Warner Brothers has just made a major announcement that it will be releasing its 2021 film slate via a unique, consumer-focused distribution model in which Warner Bros. will continue to exhibit the films theatrically worldwide, while adding an exclusive one month access period on the HBO Max streaming platform in the U.S. concurrent with the film’s domestic release.
Warrner’s 2021 lineup includes The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho and Matrix 4.
This is being done in response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the U.S. Following the one month HBO Max access period domestically, each film will leave the platform and continue theatrically in the U.S. and international territories, with all customary distribution windows applying to the title.
“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said Sarnoff. “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.”
“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,” said Kilar. “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 hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “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.”
This will no doubt have a massive impact on not just cinemas but also in how Disney will respond. As the traditional way of releasing movies isn’t going to work in the same way until things go back to normal. But with some cinemas potentially never reopening and people getting used to staying at home to watch movies, Warner is adapting, while also boosting its own streaming service.
Universal has already changed how quickly movies are released on PVOD after movies have been released in cinemas, bringing the exclusive window down to just 17 days, which includes three weekends.
Disney is hosting its Investor Day next Thursday, where it will be revealing more details on its streaming strategy going forward. So how will Disney respond? Will it do something similar? Will new movies arrive quicker after cinema release? Or skip cinemas completely?
What do you think of Warner Brothers releasing new movies on HBO Max at the same time as in cinemas?
Roger Palmer
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This is great for us subscribers because if all the big movies that wb has are being put on max that will no doubt gain hbo possibly millions of subscribers many which will be coming from Disney will pressure Disney to catch up with the competition we should be getting something similar or at least more premier access!