‘Dune,’ ‘The Matrix 4,’ And All Of Warner Bros. 2021 Movies Will Premiere On HBO Max

By Greta Bjornson @greatbjornson
Published Dec. 3, 2020
Updated Dec. 3, 2020

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Warner Bros. announced today that they plan to release their full 2021 film slate on their streaming service, HBO Max. The company will release its upcoming films on HBO Max for an exclusive, one-month access period “concurrent with the film’s domestic release” in theaters, a model created in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The current 2021 lineup 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, Cry Macho and The Matrix 4. When they premiere on HBO Max, all of the titles will be available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR.

The new release strategy mirrors Warner Bros.’ approach to Wonder Woman 1984, which will premiere in theaters and on HBO Max for a month starting Dec. 25. Once the one-month period is up, Wonder Woman 1984 — and films included in the 2021 release calendar — will continue to play exclusively in theaters.

“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, said in a statement. “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,” Sarnoff continued. “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, WarnerMedia CEO, added, “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.”

Warner Bros.’ new release strategy kicks off with Wonder Woman 1984 on Christmas Day, with more titles to follow in the new year.