'Wonder Woman 1984' set for a Christmas release
What's the story
Warner Bros. thinks it's time Wonder Woman 1984 is made available for viewing after innumerable delays and safety barriers were put in its path by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The film is slated to release on HBO Max and theaters on December 25 in the US. Actor Pedro Pascal, who stars in it with Gal Gadot, is excited about the dual release.
Gearing up
Pascal can't wait for it to hit the theaters
"I really can't wait for people to see this," Pascal posted on Instagram.
The film was initially set for a December 2019 release before being moved up to November. It got delayed to June 2020 and again to August because of the coronavirus. The film then got an October date before the Christmas release was finally announced.
Strategy explained
What is the release plan?
December 25 is when the film will release on HBO Max and in traditional theaters in the United States.
Overseas, the film will release on December 16 in regions that don't have access to the streaming platform.
Once released on the platform, the film could be viewed at no added cost for a month, unlike Disney's premium rental strategy for Mulan.
Details
AMC on board for HBO Max release
"We realize that a lot of consumers can't go back to the movies due to the pandemic, so we also want to give them the option to see Wonder Woman 1984 via our HBO Max platform," said Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group.
Meanwhile, AMC Theaters' spokesperson responded by supporting the decision, citing atypical economic relationships as per circumstances.
Twitter trends
Ali Fazal wishes co-star Gadot all the best
Insider reports suggest that Warner Bros. took the loss-making call of releasing the film simultaneously on the digital platform and theaters after Christopher Nolan's sci-fi tentpole Tenet failed to make the pre-COVID box office mark.
Separately, Gadot has wishes pouring in from everywhere. Her Death On The Nile co-star Ali Fazal retweeted her movie announcement and wished her good luck.