With the recent delays of “Dune” and “No Time to Die” into 2021, all eyes are on “Wonder Woman 1984” as the seemingly next in line blockbuster to bow out of 2020 altogether. Currently, the film sits on its Christmas release date, but given how Regal Cinemas has closed down in the US and studios are quicking removing all of their fall features from the release calendar, it’s all but certain ‘WW84’ will find a new date sometime in 2021. But don’t go expecting some sort of surprise PVOD or HBO Max release. According to director Patty Jenkins, that ain’t in the cards.
Over on Twitter, Jenkins responded to a fan that talked about whether or not “Wonder Woman 1984” would be released directly to streaming. In no uncertain terms, the filmmaker denied any desire by the studio to skip theatrical release and get the superhero film sent to PVOD or WarnerMedia’s new streaming service, HBO Max.
“Direct to streaming is not even being discussed,” tweeted Jenkins. “We are still 100% behind the theatrical experience for #WW84 and supporting our beloved theater business.”
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While theater bosses have to be breathing a sigh of relief that Jenkins and WB are committed to “supporting our beloved theater business,” but that doesn’t necessarily ensure the film will be released in 2020. In fact, the distinct lack of marketing and any sort of confirmation of a release date seems to show that WB was never really set on Christmas to begin with. And let’s be honest, if ‘WW84’ pulls out of the holiday season, cinemas are in for a world of hurt, unlike they’ve ever seen before.
Regardless, 2021 will still have screens for “Wonder Woman 1984” to premiere on. Just maybe not as many as originally planned. And fans that are dying for the experience to exist on the big screen will get their wish.
