Warner Bros. generated a lot of controversy with the announcement that its entire 2021 slate would be released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, but it seems the studio will return to normal next year. While it's likely that the theatrical window will be permanently shortened, the studio's 2022 releases won't be heading straight to WarnerMedia's streaming service.
In a recent interview with Recode, company CEO Jason Kilar confirmed their plans for next year.
"I think it’s very fair to say that a big, you know, let’s say a big DC movie...it’s very fair to say that that would go exclusively to theaters first and then go to somewhere like an HBO Max after it’s in theaters," he explained, choosing his words carefully...in case plans change yet again, of course.
After all, while it makes sense for Warner Bros. to return to prioritising its theatrical slate on the big screen (where the real money is made), if there's not an appetite for that among moviegoers, then simultaneous HBO Max releases could be here to stay in some way, shape, or form.
Warner Bros.' 2022 slate includes movies like The Batman, The Flash, Black Adam, and Aquaman 2. On the non-comic book movie side of things, there's also the new Fantastic Beasts and a fresh take on Sesame Street. They all have serious box office potential.
Are you excited to getting back to watching movies on the big screen?
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