It’s not just Wonder Woman 1984 now, all of the 2021 film releases from Warner Brothers are going to debut on a streaming service (HBO Max) and in theaters simultaneously. From the article:
In a surprising break from industry standards, Warner Bros.’ entire 2021 slate — a list of films that includes “The Matrix 4,” Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” remake, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical adaptation of “In the Heights,” “Sopranos” prequel “The Many Saints of Newark” and “The Suicide Squad” — will debut both on HBO Max and in theaters on their respective release dates. The shocking move to simultaneously release movies day-and-date underscores the crisis facing movie theaters and the rising importance of streaming services in the wake of a global health crisis that’s decimated the film exhibition community.
I sure hope this works because I don’t want to live in a world where the movies don’t survive. I wonder if after the pandemic is under control this business model will disappear or if it will stick. Personally, I love watching movies from home almost as much as I do a proper theater. However, I always want the option to go to a theater and watch something with a bunch of fellow movie lovers. I’d like for this simultaneous release to be the way moving forward, but I guess that will comes down to the bottom line.
