Max Deal: Last News

Warner Bros. is not continuing its HBO Max release strategy next year.

In summer 2019, Sony Pictures made the PlayStation Productions, announcement–a new creative division that would develop new film and television projects based on their video games. It’s been over a year since we’ve heard much, but a new update has arrived from Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra.

Over the past couple of weeks, since the announcement that WarnerMedia is releasing all of the 2021 WB films on HBO Max the same day as in theaters, it appears that almost every filmmaker that has publicly spoken about the move has disagreed with the idea of collapsing the theatrical window. And those that understand the decision are still upset that WarnerMedia didn’t warn filmmakers before the announcement.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorThe news this week that HBO Max — finally — was coming to Roku devices was welcomed by millions of customers eager to stream the WarnerMedia service on their TVs and catch “Wonder Woman 1984” when it premieres on Christmas Day.But there’s a wrinkle for some Roku users who want to get HBO Max.Under its agreement with WarnerMedia, Roku is no longer selling the legacy standalone HBO channel through its Roku Channel store. That’s the same provision Amazon and Apple agreed to when they inked their HBO Max distribution deals — something WarnerMedia wanted in order to keep viewers in its own app experience for HBO Max and collect first-party data.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorWonder Woman and HBO Max are giving Roku a power-up on Wall Street.On Thursday, shares of Roku were up over 7% in early trading coming the day after the company announced a pact with AT&T’s WarnerMedia to add HBO Max to its streaming devices following months of haggling.Roku’s stock was up over $350 per share into new all-time highs. The surge has added more than $3 billion to Roku’s market cap, which currently tops $44 billion.With HBO Max now on Roku (as of Thursday, Dec.

Eli Countryman Warner Bros. drew attention in early December when it announced plans to simultaneously release all of its films in theaters and on HBO Max throughout 2021.The decision, affecting 17 major films from “The Matrix 4″ to “Dune,” highlights just how important streaming services have become in the past year.

Denis Villeneuve, the director of the upcoming Dune remake, is not happy that Warner Bros. plans on releasing his movie on HBO Max on the same day as the theatrical release.

Dave McNary Film ReporterThe Directors Guild of America has criticized Warner Bros. over the studio’s decision to release its entire 2021 theatrical slate simultaneously on the HBO Max streaming service, according to a report in The Hollywood Reporter.DGA National Executive Director Russell Hollander sent a letter to Warner Bros.

Ellise Shafer editorThe Independent Cinema Alliance has expressed disappointment over Warner Bros.’ decision to release the rest of its 2021 film state simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max.In a statement released Monday, the volunteer alliance called for a return to theatrical exclusivity, writing that releasing movies solely in theaters for a period of time is “what drives that value – not streaming.” ICA pointed out that with the COVID-19 vaccine set to be distributed soon, a “recommitment to exclusive theatrical content” is imperative.They also emphasized the importance of supporting independent theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they “will bring the magic of moviegoing to communities across America” while employing the

Dave McNary Film ReporterChristopher Nolan, who has supplied Warner Bros. with multiple blockbusters, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the studio’s decision to release its entire 2021 theatrical slate simultaneously on the HBO Max streaming service“There’s such controversy around it, because they didn’t tell anyone,” said Nolan in an ET Online interview released Monday.

Legendary Entertainment, the production company that co-financed “Dune” and “Godzilla vs. Kong,” may take legal action against Warner Bros.

Anthony D'Alessandro Editorial Director/Box Office EditorEXCLUSIVE: A year ago at this time, a stink was raised by the studios and NATO over Netflix and its audacity to actually crunch the theatrical window with The Irishman. And a deal was on the table with AMC, but in the end the streamer wanted a more limited time in theaters ( far less than 45 days).Fast forward to now, and many wonder, well, what happens to Amazon and Netflix now with the WarnerMedia HBO Max theatrical day and date release of Wonder Woman 1984? Certainly they’ll push for their due in having the big circuits like AMC and Cinemark play their fare on a crunched or zero window. Why should Warner Bros.