Warner Bros.’ highly-anticipated superhero sequel Wonder Woman 1984 was the last major movie waiting out the COVID-19 pandemic, and now it’s fate has been sealed, arriving both in theaters AND on HBO Max on Christmas Day.
Wonder Woman 1984 had been scheduled for release in theaters on Christmas Day, but since every other major studio movie has either shifted to a streaming service or pushed their release into 2021, Wonder Woman 1984 was the lone holdout.
A new, unlisted trailer on the Warner Bros. website confirmed the sequel’s simultaneous release in theaters and on HBO Max (via Collider), which has been confirmed to be authentic by other outlets such as Deadline.
Wonder Woman on HBO: Warner Bros.’ highly-anticipated superhero sequel Wonder Woman 1984 was the last major movie waiting out the COVID-19 pandemic, and now it’s fate has been sealed, arriving both in theaters AND on HBO Max on Christmas Day
Unlisted: A new, unlisted trailer on the Warner Bros. website confirmed the sequel’s simultaneous release in theaters and on HBO Max (via Collide r), which has been confirmed to be authentic by other outlets such as Deadline
The screenshot added the film will be available, ‘at no extra cost to subscribers’ of HBO Max, which will likely lead to a significant increase in subscribers.
Some had wondered if Warner Bros. may have considered a similar approach to what Disney did with Mulan.
Mulan was slated for release in late March, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered theaters around the world.
No extra cost: The screenshot added the film will be available, ‘at no extra cost to subscribers’ of HBO Max, which will likely lead to a significant increase in subscribers
Approach: Some had wondered if Warner Bros. may have considered a similar approach to what Disney did with Mulan
The studio ultimately released the film on its Disney Plus streaming service, though subscribers still had to pay an additional $29.99 to watch the film.
Warner Bros. execs seemingly decided not to go this route, giving fans who would rather not head to theaters in the midst of the pandemic, or fans whose local theaters are still closed (like in New York and Los Angeles), the opportunity to see the sequel from the comfort of their own home.
Wonder Woman 1984, which was rumored to cost over $200 million to make, will be the biggest movie to head to streaming with a simultaneous theatrical release.
Cost: The studio ultimately released the film on its Disney Plus streaming service, though subscribers still had to pay an additional $29.99 to watch the film
Big budget: Wonder Woman 1984, which was rumored to cost over $200 million to make, will be the biggest movie to head to streaming with a simultaneous theatrical release
Warner Bros. made it official shortly after the initial reports, adding that Wonder Woman 1984 will be released in theaters in international markets starting December 16.
‘As we navigate these unprecedented times, we’ve had to be innovative in keeping our businesses moving forward while continuing to super-serve our fans,’ said Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group.
‘This is an amazing film that really comes to life on the big screen and, working with our partners in the exhibition community, we will provide that option to consumers in the U.S. where theaters are open,’ Sarnoff added.
International: Warner Bros. made it official shortly after the initial reports, adding that Wonder Woman 1984 will be released in theaters in international markets starting December 16
Amazing: ‘This is an amazing film that really comes to life on the big screen and, working with our partners in the exhibition community, we will provide that option to consumers in the U.S. where theaters are open,’ Sarnoff added
‘We realize that a lot of consumers can’t go back to the movies due to the pandemic, so we also want to give them the option to see Wonder Woman 1984 via our HBO Max platform,’ she concluded.
Warner Bros. Picture Group chairman Toby Emmerich added, ‘We appreciate how patient audiences have been and given the great anticipation around we are grateful to be able to make this terrifically entertaining movie widely available in these challenging times.’
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar made the announcement on Wednesday, clarifying that the sequel will be available on HBO Max, ‘for the first month of the film’s release.’
Wonder Woman 1984 star Gal Gadot also chimed in on the decision to bring this sequel to HBO Max amid the pandemic, with a statement on Twitter.
‘It’s time. We’ve all waited a long time for this one to come. I can’t tell you how excited I am for all of you to see this movie. It wasn’t an easy decision and we never thought we’d have to hold onto the release for such a long time but COVID rocked all our worlds. We feel the movie has never been so relevant and we hope that it’ll bring some joy, hope and love to your hearts,’ Gadot began.
‘Wonder Woman 1984 is a special one for me and I can only hope it’ll be as special to you too. We’ve put our hearts and souls into it. So.. you can watch it in theaters (they’re doing an amazing job keeping it safe) and you can watch it on HBOMax from your homes. Sending you my love. Please keep safe and wear a mask. Happy holidays to all of us! Let the light shine in,’ she concluded.
Gal’s statement: Wonder Woman 1984 star Gal Gadot also chimed in on the decision to bring this sequel to HBO Max amid the pandemic, with a statement on Twitter.
Director Patty Jenkins also took to her verified Twitter account to release her own statement.
‘The time has come. At some point you have to choose to share any love and joy you have to give, over everything else,’ Jenkins began.
‘We love our movie as we love our fans, so we truly hope that our film brings a little bit of joy and reprieve to all of you this holiday season. Watch it in theaters, where it is made safe to do so (check out the great work theaters have done to make it so!)’ she added.
‘And available in the safety of your home on HBOMax where it is on. Happy holidays to all of you. We hope you enjoy our film as much as we enjoyed making it,’ Jenkins concluded.
Patty’s statement: Director Patty Jenkins also took to her verified Twitter account to release her own statement
Consumers: ‘We realize that a lot of consumers can’t go back to the movies due to the pandemic, so we also want to give them the option to see Wonder Woman 1984 via our HBO Max platform,’ she concluded