Warner Bros. Pictures today confirmed the release of Wonder Woman 1984 in America via cinemas. It will also release simultaneously streaming via HBO Max. So far there’s been no change to plans of the UK release which is now December 16th and no streaming options noted this side of the water.
No UK Streaming News For Wonder Woman 1984
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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Ann Sarnoff chair & CEO at WarnerMedia said, the following:
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 theatres are open.
The decision is somewhat expected but also surprising with analysts earlier in the month expecting a delay till 2021. Heavy rumours of a streaming release have continued since the multiple delays due to Covid-19.
Whilst this seems to be the best of both worlds for audiences there’s been no further details of financial agreements. Do the cinema chains stateside receive any form of cash from this deal?
With most cinemas in the key markets closed for the foreseeable the amount of money to be made is too small. It’ll be interesting to see how much Wonder Woman 1984 manages to make with this two-pronged release approach.
Wonder Woman made $800 Million Worldwide back in 2017
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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The first Wonder Woman back in 2017 took over $800 million globally at the box office. Questions remain about the release in Europe. With multiple countries in lockdowns, and cinemas closed it makes you wonder if the release is even possible.
And if not what happens? As soon as the film hits HBO it’s likely to be pirated. Will audiences in Europe wait if the cinemas remain closed or does Warner have another service up its sleeve?
As operators in the U.K. nervously await news next week about the end of the second lockdown everything is up in the air. There’s been no confirmation of the tier plans after lockdown or what businesses were allowed to re-open.
Sources close to Small Screen at Cineworld which notably closed their screens before October half term told us that just before the lockdown was announced, some of the managerial staff were being called back to work.
Whether that means they had plans to reopen in November or set a December pathway it’s unclear. What is clear however is it’s another gut-wrenching wait for U.K. cinemas and audiences to see if they’ll be allowed to reopen for Christmas.
What do you make of this story? Are you looking forward to seeing Wonder Woman 1984 when it comes out in cinemas and on HBO Max (in the US only). Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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