Wonder Woman 84 will be heading to cinemas in the UK in December, it’s been absolutely confirmed.
Warner Bros has finally arrived at a decision regarding an exhibition strategy for the much-discussed release of Wonder Woman 84, and like their brave decision to send Tenet into post-lockdown cinemas, testing audience appetites for a return to the multiplexes, the studio has opted to make another bold choice this time around too.
Variety is reporting that Wonder Woman 84 will debut in cinemas in the US on Christmas Day as originally planned. However, the film will also launch simultaneously on the studio’s HBO Max streaming platform, at no additional cost to subscribers. For countries worldwide who do not have access to HBO Max – such as the UK – the film will continue with a theatrical launch.
UPDATE: The UK release date has now been confirmed as December 16th.
It’s a brave choice by Warner Bros to not delay the film until the summer, given its potential billion dollar earning status. Instead, the studio seem to have opted for a route which is offers some advantages for all involved parties: it’s consumer-friendly in the sense that in areas where audiences can choose between cinemas and home viewing, viewers won’t be forced into a multiplex if the thought unnerves them.
Not only that, but the decision not to charge an extra fee for the film on HBO Max appears to be incredibly consumer-friendly too, especially in the wake of Disney’s handling of the Mulan release.
Likewise, for beleaguered cinema operators who must have been fearing the worst, the news that they will be getting the film should offer some hope, especially in countries like the UK where there will be no streaming version of the film to divide audiences.
If any party stands to lose out, it’s perhaps Warner Bros itself. Although the studio will be fervently hoping that this gambit drives massive numbers towards its HBO Max platform which is in need of huge subscriber numbers if it is to compete with the leading pack of streaming platforms. Hopes will be high that cinemas are open across Europe and the rest of the world to amass a respectable international box office for the film.
Director Patty Jenkins took to Twitter to discuss the film’s release strategy, writing: ‘The time has come. At some point you have to choose to share any love and joy you have to give, over everything else. We love our movie as we love our fans, so we truly hope that our film brings a little bit of joy and reprieve to all of you this holiday season. Watch it in theaters, where it is made safe to do so (check out the great work theaters have done to make it so!) And available in the safety of your home on HBO Max where it is not,” she said. “Happy holidays to all of you. We hope you enjoy our film as much as we enjoyed making it.’
So there you have it.
Should cinemas in the UK reopen before Christmas, there’s something of a family slate lined up for audiences to enjoy over the holiday period. Warner Bros also marked the announcement with a not entirely-new trailer, which you can see below.
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