GAME CHANGER: HBO MAX WILL PREMIERE MOVIES THE SAME DAY AS THEATERS

The Warner Bros. Pictures Group announced that it has committed to 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 United States, concurrent with the film’s domestic release.

This hybrid model was created as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the United States. Following the one-month HBO Max access period domestically, each film will leave the platform and continue theatrically in the United States 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.

Warner Bros. Pictures Group’s upcoming release slate currently includes "Wonder Woman 1984," “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”.

“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group. 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 United States 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,”  said Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO at WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group (of which Warner Bros. is part).

“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. 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,”  commented Jason Kilar, CEO of WarnerMedia.

“This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021. 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,”  added Toby Emmerich, Chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group.

●  EUROPEAN AND LATIN AMERICAN ROLL OUT

At the same time, it was announced that HBO Max will move into Europe and Latin America during the second half of 2021. The platform will replace HBO branded streaming services in Central and East Europe and the Nordics.

“By the end of the year both of those regions will be very active,”  indicated Andy Forssell, Head of HBO Max Global. He also anticipated that eventually the service will be available in 190 countries. “It’s just a matter of how fast we can do that,”  he assured.

For now, European and Latin American subscribers will not benefit from the Day&Date releases of new WarnerMedia movie releases, which are being reserved for the United States market.