We’re a few days on from the announcement that WarnerMedia will release the Warner Bros. Pictures 2021 slate simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters throughout next year. The shock has now given way to speculation, excitement, despair, joy and in some cases anger.
One such group currently experiencing anger appears to be Legendary Pictures – the producing partner of Warner Brothers on two of the biggest movies on its slate – “Dune” and “Godzilla vs. Kong”.
Now comes a story at Deadline indicating that Legendary will reportedly send legal letters to WarnerMedia challenging the release of those two upcoming films on HBO Max the same day as theaters.
Legendary, who reportedly funded approximately 75% of the production budgets of these films, is seemingly upset that WarnerMedia made this decision without consulting them. In addition, Warners apparently stopped the option of going to third-party alternatives such as Netflix who were making sizeable offers.
The report adds that Legendary had begun talks with Netflix for “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the streaming service was offering $250 million for the film – until WarnerMedia blocked the deal. How this will all fall out is unclear presently.
Source: The Playlist