When Avengers: Endgame was released in theaters last year, it became the highest-grossing movie of all-time with a worldwide haul just shy of $2.8 billion. Despite that, many of the titles the Russo Brothers have produced are making an impact on streaming services, with Extraction breaking records on Netflix and Cherry set to receive a limited theatrical run before hitting Apple TV+.
Talking to Collider to promote Mosul, Joe Russo was asked for his thoughts on Warner Bros.' decision to release Wonder Woman 1984 simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max.
"[Patty Jenkins] made something that she put an incredible amount of love and joy into, and now she’s ready to share it with the world," the filmmaker explained. "Circumstances are dictating that [having] options for people to view things are best - certain people want to see it in the theatre, and other people for health reasons might need to see it at home."
We've heard a lot of filmmakers speak out against the idea of movies being released on Digital platforms in order to protect the big screen experience, but Joe feels this type of release is a "bold and brave" move which he believes "is the future of the business."
"There can be room for both digital and theatrical and, in fact, both could perhaps enhance each other's business and experience," he added. "But there are lots of people around the world that have greater access to digital than they do to theater, and this is just one way to reach those people. So as an artist, if you want to get the most eyeballs, I think that a joint theatrical and digital play is an incredible way to do that."
Check out our Mosul interview with the movie's director and stars in the player below: