Godzilla vs. Kong Releasing On Streaming Same Day As Theaters
Godzilla vs. Kong, the upcoming theatrical showdown between the Monsterverse’s two leading titans, will release for streaming on HBO Max the same day it releases in theaters. In the wake of mass cinema closures and low attendance due to the covid-19 pandemic, many production companies have prioritized streaming platforms as a way to get their new releases to a larger audience. Now, Warner Brothers’ next kaiju duel will follow suit.
Warner Brothers’ effort to create a shared cinematic universe of classic movie monsters (the “Monsterverse”) has been rocky. Gareth Edwards’s Godzilla (2014) started the franchise off in a strong fashion, earning praise from fans and critics alike. However, that positive reception diminished with 2017’s Kong: Skull Island and 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters. The Monsterverse’s future may hang on Godzilla vs. Kong, which will pit the eponymous nuclear lizard and giant ape against each other for the first time on screen since 1962. At this time, there are no announced plans for future films beyond Godzilla vs. Kong.
Now, the upcoming film will release on HBO Max on May 21, 2021 – the same day it’s set to premiere in movie theaters. The move is part of a larger initiative announced by Warner Brothers and HBO Max, which will see all the studio’s major 2021 releases become available for streaming the same day they appear in cinemas. That includes films like Wonder Woman 1984, Dune, and The Matrix 4, as well as Godzilla vs. Kong. Given how many times those films have already been delayed due to the coronavirus, it would seem that WB is attempting to put a more reliable and comprehensive plan in place for next year. You can see their official video announcement below.
For some, the same-day streaming plan will likely be seen as a great decision. Those who can safely attend a theater and prefer the big-screen experience will still have that option available to them, while others can opt for a safer approach by watching the films at home. It’s also a smart call for Warner Brothers’ bottom line, ensuring some revenue remains from those willing to pay for a ticket while adding immense value to their streaming package on HBO Max.
Movie theaters may feel differently, however. Many have struggled to survive through the shutdowns and reduced ticket sales sparked by covid-19, and while no theatrical releases from WB have been canceled, the streaming option is likely to hurt cinemas in the long run. With many companies already in dire straits, that isn’t good news. Godzilla vs. Kong releases in theaters and on HBO Max on May 21, 2021.
Source: HBO