The Batman will soon descend upon HBO Max but not as a dual release.
The Batman Returns To Tradition
The release strategy currently known as day-and-date – the dual release of a movie in theatres and on a digital platform – is coming to an end. While it allowed a safe option to those decimated by the pandemic, the revenues from box office takes were lackluster. On the side of the Marvelous Competition, actress Scarlett Johannson complained how the revenue was reduced due to a dual release of her film Black Widow in theatres and on Disney+. The returns for previous Warners projects such as Wonder Woman 1984, The Matrix Resurrections, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Dune justify a return to tradition. And that return involves Black Adam, The Flash, and The Batman.
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar explains:
Think about when movies would show up on HBO, which is eight to nine months after its [premiere. Films are released on HBO Max after 45 days, and] The Batman [will debut] on day [46. That] is a huge change from where things were in 2018, 2017, 2016.
From these projected dates, the Robert Pattinson film will debut on HBO Max on April 19, 2022. It also stars Andy Serkis, Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, and Colin Farrell. The movie is one of many that experienced lengthy delays in both production and release due to the pandemic. Set in the second year of Batman’s career, it pits a reclusive Bruce Wayne against a more lethal version of The Riddler (Dano). Furthermore, according to the trailer, it begins his dalliance with Catwoman (Kravitz) and uncovers a devastating secret from Alfred (Serkis). A spinoff series focusing on Commissioner Gordon (Wright) and Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin (Farrell) are also scheduled for HBO Max.
Catch this potential blockbuster when it debuts in theaters on March 4, 2022.
The Batman HBO Max Release Date Confirmed by WarnerMedia CEO (collider.com)
