After being postponed several times this year “Wonder Woman 1984” will hit theaters and HBO Max on the same day! This is a big change in the way we are used to having a blockbuster movie released. And it may change the way we release films during the pandemic.
Wonder Woman 1984
From director Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” fast forwards to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big-screen adventure finds her riding lightning across the sky, donning wings of gold, and chasing a dream while in pursuit of two new formidable foes: Max Lord and the Cheetah.
In “Wonder Woman 1984,” the fate of the world is once more on the line, and only Wonder Woman can save it. This new chapter in the Wonder Woman story finds Diana Prince living quietly among mortals in the vibrant, sleek 1980s—an era of excess driven by the pursuit of having it all. Though she’s come into her full powers, she maintains a low profile, curating ancient artifacts and only performing her superheroic acts incognito. But now, Diana will have to step directly into the spotlight and muster all her wisdom, strength, and courage in order to save mankind from a world of its own making. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as the Cheetah, Pedro Pascalas Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta
HBO Max & Theather Opening
On December 3rd, Warner Bros. announced that it will be releasing its 2021 films through a consumer-focused model. Warner Bros. will continue to exhibit the films theatrically worldwide and exclusively for one month on the HBO Max streaming platform in the U.S. They will be released on the same day, which for Wonder Woman 1984 means December 25th, 2020. One month seems a short amount of time to stream a film. Usually, we are used to streaming services hosting movies for at least a year. But we have never had a situation like this before. Even if you only stayed for a month, you can’t beat that $14.99 price for a blockbuster film. On-demand streaming is usually around $24.99.
Releasing the film both ways gives people the opportunity to watch how they want. At least those in areas who aren’t affected by stay-at-home orders. Providing fans the opportunity to watch this safely at home feels like a gift. This is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. And with 2020 being such a miserable year, it’s nice to end it on a fun note. Seems like a great way to spend some time on Christmas Day. HBO Max is the dedicated streaming service that houses entertainment from HBO, Warner Bros., and DC Entertainment content. That means you can stream a ton of DC Comics films leading up to the WW84 release.
Response to the ongoing global pandemic
The hybrid model was created as a strategic 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. All films will be available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR on HBO Max. This announcement was made today by Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group (of which Warner Bros. is part), and Jason Kilar, CEO, WarnerMedia.
“We’re living in unprecedented times that 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.”
What will this mean for other films going forward?
Although vaccines Covid-19 will be here soon, we don’t yet know how long the vaccine immunity will last. We won’t be able to reopen theaters fully until we have some idea of how well the vaccines are working. And we certainly won’t be able to ditch the masks yet. This means other movie studios will have to make some more concessions in an effort to stay afloat.
Warner Bros. Pictures Group’s 2021 expected (dates subject to change) release slate currently 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.
“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.
For more information go to https://www.hbomax.com/or check your local theater listings.
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