WarnerMedia has just provided the movie industry with its biggest shake up in a long time. The studio has announced that its entire 2021 movie slate, including The Suicide Squad, will debut on HBO Max as well as in theaters. All of the movies will hit the streaming service on the same day that the are scheduled for theatrical release.
Initially, this strategy was announced just for Wonder Woman 1984. The DC sequel will arrive on Christmas Day on HBO Max in addition to debuting in what theaters are currently open. But the powers that be decided, with the pandemic still raging and the box office floundering, that extending the release strategy to the 2021 slate was the best move.
The expected 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.
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“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks 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 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.”
“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 Jason Kilar, CEO, WarnerMedia. “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.”
“This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “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.”
The Suicide Squad is directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy). It is a sequel to 2016’s Suicide Squad, though it has been described as a “reboot.” The cast includes Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Sean Gunn, Steve Agee, Joel Kinnaman, John Cean and Alice Braga.
The Suicide Squad is set to arrive on August 6, 2021.
So what do you think? Is this the right move? Will you try and see the movie in a theater? Or will you watch in on HBO Max? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
