Warner Bros. stunned Hollywood by announcingGodzilla vs. Kongand 16 additional films from the studio’s 2021 slate would receivesimultaneous theatrical and HBO Max releasesin the U.S. However, Legendary Pictures is reportedly unhappy with Warner Bros.' decision to bringGodzilla vs. KongandDuneto the WarnerMedia streamer and may be considering legal action.
Under the terms of Warner Bros.' current release plan for 2021,Godzilla vs. KongandDunewill be two of the 17 films that will debut on HBO Max day-and-date with U.S. movie theaters. Exhibitors reacted swiftly to Warner Bros.' decision, with Cineworld Group expressing hope that the studio would seek toreach an agreement regarding proper release windowsonce it becomes safe for theaters to resume operations.
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According to Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr., Legendary Pictures has sent legal letters to Warner Bros. challenging the studio’s decision to include Denis Villeneuve’sDuneand Godzilla vs. Kongin the HBO Max deal. The production company, which covered75% of theGodzilla vs. Kongbudget, had not received advanced notice of the simultaneous theatrical and HBO Max release plans for either film, according to the outlet’s sources.
Legendary Pictures hadreportedly received an offerof over $200 million forGodzilla vs. Kongfrom Netflix. However, WarnerMedia blocked the deal in order to prepare its own bid for the film to be available on HBO Max. The MonsterVerse film had been scheduled for a theatrical release in November 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced Warner Bros. to postpone its debut until the following year.
The first Warner Bros. film to fall under this new release strategy will be DC’sWonder Woman 1984, which debuts on HBO Max and theaters across the United States on Christmas day. However, WarnerMedia issuspending its 7-Day free trial offerfor HBO Max ahead ofWonder Woman 1984’s premiere in favor of a 22% discount for new and returning users who purchase a six-month subscription.
Godzilla vs. Kongwill be released in theaters and on HBO Max in the U.S. on July 27, 2025.
