Denis Villeneuve’sDunemovie will debut only in theaters, as WarnerMedia has reversed its day-and-date decision regarding HBO Max and that particular big-budget title.
Deadline reports that the sci-fi movie will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September ahead of an exclusive theatrical release on Oct. 1. Warner Bros. had already reached a deal with Regal Cinemas to restore the 45-day theatrical window in 2022 before titles begin streaming on HBO Max.Dunewill now fall under that arrangement, and will likely be WB’s only 2021 movie to do so, with late 2021 awards contenders likeWill Smith’sKing RichardandClint Eastwood’sCry Machostill expected to premiere simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max.
The report comes on the same day that AT&T has struck a deal to spin off its WarnerMedia assets to Discovery, which prompted a report that WarnerMedia’sJason Kilaris already negotiating his exit after a year in the top job. It was Kilar who delivered AT&T’s decision that all of Warners' 2021 titles would debut on HBO Max, and though the strategy has proved effective, it also infuriated the creative community.
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While I understand Kilar’s reticence to reveal AT&T’s master plan to above-the-line talent and filmmakers on an entire slate of 17 films, there’s no question that the surprise message was poorly communicated to many A-listers, includingChristopher Nolan, who still hasn’t revealed what his next movie will be… or where he will make it. The studio did, however, shell out millions of dollars to dozens of profit participants on movies that were affected, includingWonder Woman 1984duoGal GadotandPatty Jenkins.
Duneis WB’s fall tentpole this year so it’s appropriate that it boasts a jaw-dropping cast that includesTimothée Chalamet,Zendaya,Oscar Isaac,Rebecca Ferguson,Javier Bardem,Josh Brolin,Jason Momoa,Dave BautistaandStellan Skarsgard. I can’t wait to see this movie on the big screen, but if you’ve given up on theaters, you’ll just have to wait 45 days before the spice starts flowing on HBO Max.
KEEP READING:‘Dune’ Co-Writer Eric Roth Says the Sci-Fi Adaptation Is “Spectacular,” Talks Sequel
