WarnerMedia has just dropped a bombshell on the entertainment industry! Satisfied with the enthusiastic reaction to its decision to release Wonder Woman 1984 simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters, Warner Bros has taken the earth-shattering decision to release its entire 2021 movie slate to follow the same model.
The model has been named the hybrid model of releasing films, since the films release in both, on streaming as well as in theatres. Warner Bros has taken the unprecedented decision to release all their upcoming films according to this model. The movies will be available for streaming on HBO Max for one whole month. They will also be released in theatres, wherever they are open. After the one month streaming period is up, the movies will continue their run in the theatres, but will not be available on HBO Max any more. After a certain window, they will be released on digital, Blu-ray, available for rent, etc.
Additionally, the movies will release in theatres in those markets where HBO Max does not have a presence, which is most of Europe, Asia, South America, among others.
It is a mouthwatering slate of movies that WarnerMedia plans to release in the hybrid model. The stunning slate of movies includes –
The Little Things
Judas and the Black Messiah, both starring Denzel Washington
Tom & Jerry
Godzilla vs. Kong
Mortal Kombat, based on the popular game
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
Matrix 4
These movies are easily the most awaited films in the world right now, especially Dune, Matrix 4, The Suicide Squad and Godzilla Vs. Kong.
In a statement to the media, Warner Bros release said, “The hybrid model was created as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic.”
Along with the above release, Carolyn Blackwood, Chief Operating Officer of the Warner Bros. Pictures Group clarified to the media, “This is a temporary 2021 plan.”
Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, said in her statement, “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 U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021.”
She added, “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.”
Jason Kilar, CEO, WarnerMedia, said in his statement, “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.”
The future is highly uncertain. Film studios have no other way out of the conundrum than to explore the hybrid option of release. This way, HBO Max will gain sizeable subscribers, and the films will get a theatrical release too.