After all of these months of speculation, it finally happened. Warner Bros. has announced Godzilla vs Kong and the rest of their 2021 movies will be releasing on HBO Max on the same day as their theatrical releases.
According to Deadline, the main reason for the hybrid release model is because COVID-19 has forced theaters across America to shut down. Right now, there are two vaccines on the way that is reported to start distribution some time this month, but Warner Bros. feels that the distribution of the vaccines will not be enough for these theaters to reopen and bring back the usual audience numbers.
“We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said Sarnoff in today’s statement. “No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.”
The catch is the same for Wonder Woman 1984 where the movie will only be on HBO Max for one month. After one month, it is gone from the streaming platform. However, HBO Max has gotten rid of their free trial.
In the FAQ section of the website it says, "Most HBO Max providers no longer offer a free trial to new subscribers. If a subscription or promotional offer includes a free trial, you'll see mention of the free trial when you sign up." So free trial subscriptions are out unless you get promo offer for a free trial. Which means if you have been planning to get a free trial just to watch Godzilla vs Kong or any other movie from Warner Bros. then you're out of luck.
Lastly, Warner Bros. revealed a new logo for Godzilla vs Kong, which you can see at the top of the page. It looks alright. I'm digging the chrome outline on the logo. It makes the logo more noticeable. At least it isn't the same logo we have been seeing all year.
When it all comes down to it, this is really the best way to go. The good thing about this is that there are no more delays. We can finally start up the hype train again for the release of Godzilla vs Kong. There is a lot of people speculating that the trailer could drop at CCXP2020. Another speculation is that the trailer will drop in front of Wonder Woman 1984. We are at the six month mark, which is when marketing should begin to role out. There is also the Monsterverse Marathon that was announced recently as well, so maybe we will see some Godzilla vs Kong content there as well.
Will you be seeing Godzilla vs Kong theaters or are you considering just watching it on HBO Max? Leave a comment in the comments section on your thoughts on this announcement. Make sure to follow me on my Facebook, Twitter, Minds, Parler, and MeWe pages to stay up to date for more news, reviews, and discussions.