download.jpg

AMC Theatres supports Warner Bros.' new release plan for Wonder Woman 1984, according to CEO Adam Aron. The long-awaited sequel to Patty Jenkins' hit 2017 film Wonder Woman has suffered many release delays, starting with when Warner Bros. pushed it from 2019 to June 2020. At the time, it seemed like a sensible move, but then the coronavirus pandemic made it virtually impossible for major films to be released in theaters. Wonder Woman 1984 was postponed three more times, with the most recent change sending it to December 25.

Despite Warner Bros. signaling they were committed to the Christmas date back in October, many assumed Wonder Woman 1984 would get delayed yet again. Movie theater attendance is still low, and select major markets reman closed. That's why many were shocked when yesterday, Warner Bros. announced Wonder Woman 1984 will be sticking to a theatrical release in December and will debut on HBO Max the very same day. HBO Max subscribers can watch Wonder Woman 1984 for free within the first month of its release. This now means it's one of the many movies to adopt a streaming strategy amid the pandemic.

Speaking to Variety, AMC Entertainment CEO and President Adam Aron explained the theater chain is very much onboard with Warner Bros.' streaming plan for Wonder Woman 1984. "For many months, AMC has been in active and deep dialogue with Warner Brothers to figure out how best this cinematic blockbuster could be seen at AMC Theatres in these unprecedented times. Given that atypical circumstances call for atypical economic relationships between studios and theatres, and atypical windows and releasing strategies, AMC is fully onboard for Warner Brothers’ announcement today," Aron said in a statement. He went on to reiterate that while AMC stands by the theatrical experience above all else, the company has recognized the need to be flexible with their business plans. "We hope movie lovers enjoy Wonder Woman 1984 during the holidays this year at AMC," Aron concluded.

download (1).jpg

This is a major step forward for AMC, who earlier this year blasted studios for sending movies straight to streaming instead of waiting for theatrical releases. AMC's primary target was Universal, though they suggested they wouldn't be pleased with other studios doing the same. However, Wonder Woman 1984 is a special case. It's still getting a run in theaters, so AMC will still be able to profit off it. By acknowledging Warner Bros.' position on the matter, AMC has shown their willingness to work with other studios on future releases that have the potential to be mutually beneficial.

This makes Wonder Woman 1984 the last major release for 2020, and one of the few to actually arrive within the year. Warner Bros. has seemingly found the best of both worlds, where they can release their movie in theaters for those who want the experience and on streaming for those anxious about venturing out. Several smaller films have adopted this strategy, but Wonder Woman 1984 is the biggest film so far to do so. It will be interesting to see how well this works for Wonder Woman 1984, and it's safe to say this is the best plan for it at this time.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Release Date: Dec 25, 2020