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Warner Bros. Deal with Streaming Service HBO Max to End in 2022

Screenshot from Warner Bros. YouTube

Warner Bros. Deal with Streaming Service HBO Max to End in 2022

By Movieguide® Staff

After Warner Bros. deal with HBO Max in 2021 in which the entire 2021 slate of blockbuster movies release day-to-date on the streaming platform and in theaters, the studio announced a return to exclusive theater releases in 2022. 

As America’s largest markets in New York and Los Angeles look to reopen cinemas, Regal and other exhibitors are anticipating a return to a traditional box office. 

Deadline reported

Cineworld has set plans to reopen its Regal cinemas in the U.S. for the first time in six months. The phased process will start with a limited number of cinemas opening for W.B./Legendary’s Godzilla Vs Kong on April 2 (note the movie opens on March 31). Regal locations will open more widely on April 16, in time for New Line’s Mortal Kombat. Cineworld and Warner Bros have also hatched a multi-year agreement that will see the No. 2 global exhibitor show the studio’s 2021 theatrical and HBO Max day-and-date titles in the U.S. as of their theatrical release. Then, beginning in 2022, Warner Bros theatrical films will have a 45-day window of theatrical exclusivity at Cineworld’s Regal chain.

Warner Bros.’s announcement means that 2022 will mark an end to their pandemic experiment with movies like WONDER WOMAN 1984, GODZILLA VS. KONG, and other 2021 releases. 

Warner Bros.’s new deal with Regal cinemas owner Cineworld could provide other exhibitors and studios with a post-pandemic box office timeline. 

Although 2022 will halt Warner Bros. movies from appearing on HBO Max, the exclusive window of 45 days is much shorter than the 90 days theaters had before the pandemic.  

“We are very happy for the agreement with Warner Bros.,” Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger told Deadline. “This agreement shows the studio’s commitment to the theatrical business and we see this agreement as an important milestone in our 100 year relationship with Warner Bros.”

He continued: “We have long awaited this moment when we can welcome audiences back to our Regal theaters and restore our essential role within the communities we serve. With the health and safety of our customers, staff, and communities as our top priority, we continue to take all the necessary precautions and abide by our CinemaSafe guidelines to confidently provide a safe and comfortable experience. With capacity restrictions expanding to 50% or more across most U.S. states, we will be able to operate profitably in our biggest markets. We will also be monitoring developments closely in the U.K. and across Europe as we set to gradually reopen across the world in line with local government guidance.”

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.