By One of the ill-fated major delays of the coronavirus, Adam Wingard’s Godzilla vs Kong is allegedly being considered for a streaming release, with WarnerMedia looking to host the titanic tussle on their own HBO Max service. This following a bid of more than $200 million by Netflix to have the film debut there.
Godzilla vs Kong is a production of Legendary Pictures, who have a majority stake in the film, with Warner Bros. acting as international distributor (while Toho handles distribution in Japan). The negotiations to have the Warners-associated film make a streaming splash “in house” makes more sense than a sale to an outside platform, with WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar and Warner Bros. head Ann Sarnoff allegedly negotiating the move.
Previously, Warner Bros.’ hotly anticipated Wonder Woman sequel made a major splash in announcing its streaming release to HBO Max, following multiple coronavirus-induced delays.
Godzilla vs Kong is currently scheduled for a May 21, 2021 release to theaters, following delays from earlier this year (which ranged from May, to March, to November). Whether a streaming release sticks, it appears the film will still release theatrically, in some capacity, next year, with Warner Bros. saying that they “plan to release Godzilla vs Kong theatrically next year as scheduled.”
With the precedent for streaming and theatrical releases still flexible under pandemic conditions, the fate of the film is to be determined. With companies like Disney opting for premium charges on top of their streaming platforms, the waters are still murky for what audiences will and will not accept when it comes to new, blockbuster releases. With the streaming release of Godzilla vs Kong seeming likely, it’s to be determined how exactly eager filmgoers will enjoy the crossover in the comfort of their homes. For further news, stay tuned.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter