

But under the current circumstances, the only other option would have been to postpone the film's release by several more months, and that would have led to even more costs accrued by WarnerMedia. While Kilar was eager to stress the new arrangement favors everyone, the truth is Wonder Woman 1984 will end up making significantly less money at the box office once it becomes available online. Finally, we believe that our creative partners and ourselves will benefit from this decision, in the form of fan response both theatrically and via HBO Max in the U.S."
#WONDER WOMAN 1984 HBO MAX MOVIE#
The second benefit is to the exhibitors, providing an eagerly anticipated movie at a much-needed time while they take precautions in their operations. The first and most important benefit is to the fans in the form of unprecedented choice from day one. "We believe this decision will bring several benefits. WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar published an article where he explained why a combined theatrical and VOD release for Wonder Woman 1984 is in the best interest of everyone. The news was met with great joy by fans, even as industry analysts wondered how the decision will affect cinema halls in desperate need of new, exclusive blockbuster content. Children were strong influencers in the decision to watch the animated film, according to Screen Engine.After months of speculation, it was finally confirmed that Wonder Woman 1984 will be coming to streaming on HBO Max in December this year, mere days after it's theatrical release. Not surprisingly, the movie over-indexed in top markets where cinemas are shuttered, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.Īs expected for a family film, Soul over-indexed among parents, particularly mothers. Over half of HBO Max viewers resided in suburban areas, above the norm. Viewership was highest among males over 35. While WW84 fared well across a variety of demos on HBO Max, it appealed in particular to males and an older crowd, according to Screen Engine.
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Theaters in many major markets have never reopened, or have reclosed in recent weeks because of a surge in COVID-19 cases. That’s the top debut of any film since the pandemic struck in March. WW84 was also a win at the multiplex, earning an estimated $16.7 million at the domestic box office over the Dec. “Both films did about the same at keeping current subscribers from churning,” says Mark Orne, executive vp of Screen Engine’s Cross Platform Group. Another 20 percent said they were considering dropping their Disney+ subscription before watching Soul, but now plan to keep the service for the time being. and other markets where the burgeoning streaming service is available.Īmong those watching Soul, Screen Engine found that 13 percent signed up for Disney+ because of the Pixar offering (9 percent said they’ll continue to subscribe, while 4 percent will likely cancel soon).
#WONDER WOMAN 1984 HBO MAX WINDOWS#
The move has prompted a loud outcry from filmmakers, Hollywood agents and theater owners.ĭisney avoided the windows debate by launching Pixar’s family film Soul exclusively on Disney+ in the U.S. WarnerMedia subsequently announced that it will do the same with its entire 2021 slate, based on guidance from epidemiologists. Reteaming director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot, WW84 made history when shattering the theatrical window because of the pandemic, debuting day and date on HBO Max and in more than 2,000 North American cinemas. Screen Engine, one of Hollywood’s leading research firms in terms of moviegoing and consumer habits, began polling home entertainment viewers in earnest after the pandemic struck.Īmong existing HBO Max customers, 19 percent told Screen Engine they would likely have canceled their subscriptions had it not been for WW84, and will now likely remain customers for the time being. WarnerMedia and Disney have not released Christmas weekend streaming numbers for their respective films, which are among numerous 2020 event pics forced to alter course because of the COVID-19 crisis.Īccording to Screen Engine, WW84 has already been watched more in its first week than any other 2020 SVOD movie, edging out Hamilton (Disney+) and Soul.
