Warner Bros. said Thursday that it will release all new 2021 films on HBO Max on the same day the films hit theaters.
- “No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do,” Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks group, said. “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.”
The slate of films include:
- “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”
- “Matrix 4”
HBO Max currently costs $14.99 per month.
HBO Max confirmed the films will be released in theaters and on HBO Max on the exact same day, which allows people to see movies in theaters but also in the comfort of their own homes.
Context:
Warner Bros. is making this move during the coronavirus pandemic. Moviegoers remain spooked to attend screenings in person for fear of contracting the novel coronavirus. Life may not return to normal until the end of 2021, so this might be a way for the studio to release their new films while also giving an option for people to see them in theaters.
Flashback:
Back on Nov. 18, Warner Bros. announced that “Wonder Woman 1984” will debut on the HBO Max and in U.S. movie theaters on Christmas Day.
“Wonder Woman 1984” director Patty Jenkins tweeted a statement about the decision at the time.
- “THE TIME HAS COME. At some point you have to choose to share any love and joy you have to give, over everything else. We love our movie as we love our fans, so we truly hope that our film brings a little bit of joy to all of you this holiday season.
- “Watch it IN THEATERS, where it is made safe to do so (check out the great work theaters have done to make it so!) And available in the safety of your home on HBOMAX where it is not. Happy holidays to all of you. We hope you enjoy our film as much as we enjoyed making it.”