Godzilla vs. Kong Producer Legendary Pictures is seeking at least $ 250 million for AT&T’s WarnerMedia to send the monster movie to HBO Max’s streaming service, according to a new report. Last month, Netflix reportedly offered more than $ 200 million to send the MonsterVerse sequel five times overdue to its streaming service, but the deal was blocked by WarnerMedia. Days later, the parent company of Warner Bros. announced it would send the entire list of 17 films from the studio – including Dune and The Suicide Squad, as Godzilla vs. Kong – for HBO Max the same day they debuted in theaters with a one-year hybrid release model.
Almost immediately, it was reported as Legendary – which funded 75% of both Godzilla vs. Kong and Denis Villeneuve full of stars Dune – was considering legal action on WarnerMedia’s unilateral decision to send the two potential moneymakers for streaming. Industry deals reported Legendary was also not informed of the strategy for launching the hybrid model before WarnerMedia’s announcement on December 3.
Godzilla vs. Kong can still be broadcast on May 21 if Warner Bros. makes a deal with Legendary using Netflix’s $ 200 million price as the basis, according to Deadline. Warner Bros. already distributed tens of millions to Wonder Woman 1984 director-producer Patty Jenkins and star-producer Gal Gadot to secure a release on HBO Max for the DC Films sequel, which is the first big-budget support to go to the streaming service.
After the move left the talent of the industry and its agents taken by surprise, the decision to send theatrically-designed titles to streaming drew harsh criticism from the studio’s major filmmakers such as Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan (The dark Knight trilogy, Principle)
“We are living in unprecedented times that require creative solutions, including this new initiative for Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said Ann Sarnoff, president and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, in a statement announcing the hybrid distribution model. “No one wants films to return to the screen more than we do. We know that new content is the lifeblood of theatrical display, but we have to balance that with the reality that most cinemas in the United States are likely to operate at reduced capacity at throughout 2021. “
Sarnoff continued: “With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady stream of world-class films, while offering viewers who may not have access to cinemas or are not ready to return to the films the chance to see our incredible 2021 films. We see this as a victory for cinema lovers and exhibitors, and we are extremely grateful to our film partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances. “
Godzilla vs. Kong is scheduled for a date and date release in theaters and on HBO Max on May 21, 2021.