Warner Bros. To Re-release Theatrical-only Movies in 2022
“Let’s say that when we have a big DC movie, The Batman, for example, it will first go exclusively to the cinema, then be offered on HBO Max shortly after its theatrical release.”
At the end of 2020, in the midst of a pandemic and with no prospect of a return to normal life. Warner Bros. has decided to release all of its 2021 films simultaneously on HBO Max and in theatrical release. A shocking announcement, but a temporary situation ensured the studio. WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar confirms today that the group will resume its normal distribution channel in 2022, favoring cinema over streaming.
In an interview for the Vox’s Recode podcast, the studio director is delighted with the success of the new Godzilla vs Kong. Which has already grossed $ 285 million in cumulative (its breakeven point is at $ 330 million) and has raised the largest number of viewers of the HBO Max platform. However, in the wake of a deal signed with American exhibitors. He concedes: ” Let’s say when we have a great DC movie, The Batman, for example, it will initially go exclusively to the cinema, they will be offered on HBO Max shortly after its theatrical release. I don’t want anyone to misinterpret what we are doing right now. This is not an indication that we don’t believe in the cinematic experience. Having said that, we’re not going back to the world of 2016 either. The world is changing and that’s the way the world is supposed to work. ”
READ ALSO: Paramount Is Preparing Another Transformers Movie, Apart, Out of the Main Universe
Kilar also expressed some regret at the negative reactions of several important players in the industry. Such as directors Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve. Who publicly opposed these simultaneous releases:
” I think it would have been very difficult to make everyone happy … But if it had to be done again, we would have taken a few more days to try to talk more at length with these people. It was difficult to make the point. our version, the reason why we made this decision, to properly communicate on the matter. There is no doubt that the end of 2020 was quite chaotic … “
Warner Bros. Will in any case continue to release its films in theaters and on HBO Max for the rest of the year. A strategy that will involve Mortal Kombat in April, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, but also Space Jam 2, then The Suicide Squad by James Gunn, the Dune of Villeneuve, and the fourth installment of The Matrix.
