Warner Bros have announced that “Wonder Woman 1984” will debut onto their streaming service in HBO Max this Christmas at the same time it releases in theatres. Many speculated that this was a strategic move by the industry as a response to an unprecedented pandemic. Yet, with Warner Bros’ recent trailer of them releasing all 17 movies for free in 2021; at no extra cost of a subscription, on top of it showing in theatres, what does this spell for the traditional theatre experience? CEO Ann Sarnoff briefly replied stating the model is merely “an unique one-year plan to combat the ongoing health crisis”. For the consumer, this is clearly Christmas come early next year.
The Little Things
Release Date: January 29, 2021
Genre: Crime-Thriller
Director / Writer: John Lee Hancock
Denzel Washington plays as an observant Deputy Sheriff that is sent to Los Angeles in search of a serial killer terrorizing the city. For fans of Deja Vu, they can see themselves in familiar territory.
Judas and The Black Messiah
Release Date: TBA
Genre: True-Story Drama
Director / Writer: Shaka King and Will Berson
Daniel Kaluuya from Get Out returns to star in the chronicles of Fred Hampton (the leader of the Black Panther), who was assassinated at the young age of 21.
Tom and Jerry
Release Date: February 26, 2021
Genre: Animation
Director: Tim Story
Writer: Kevin Costello
It’s Tom and Jerry, fingers crossed they finally get to address that actual tragic ending. I’d be happy to see them return anyways, regardless of all the controversy it’s generated prior. It is still a much needed lightness and levity for this dumpster fire of a year.
The Many Saints of Newark
Release Date: March 12, 2021
Genre: Animation
Director: Alan Taylor
Writer: David Chase and Lawrence Konner
Taking place in the 1960’s, it looks at the formative years of New Jersey gangster, Tony Soprano. Yes, that Soprano from the HBO series The Sopranos with the film acting as the prequel.
Reminiscence
Release Date: April 16, 2021
Genre: Sci-Fi Romantic Thriller
Director / Writer: Lisa Joy
This is a story about a scientist who discovers a way to relive one’s past, exploits it in hopes to reunite with a lost lover.
Godzilla vs. Kong
Release Date: May 21, 2021
Genre: Action
Director: Adam Wingard
Writer: Terry Rossio
Just make them fight and make it look amazing, that’s all. That’s the only thing they have to do.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Release Date: June 4, 2021
Genre: Horror
Director: Michael Chaves
Writer: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick
This is considered to be the third main movie in the Conjuring timeline. With James Wan gone, I really don’t know about this one. How many movies have they already milked off this franchise?
In The Heights
Release Date: June 18, 2021
Genre: Musical
Director: Jon M.Chu
Writer: Quiara Alegria Jones
In The Heights tells the story of a bodega owner in Washington Heights who dreams of a better life. It is based on the famous Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Space Jam: A New Galaxy
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Genre: Animation
Director: Malcolm D.Lee
Writer: Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler
Don’t expect a serious movie with an equally serious storyline with this one. A reminder to those who haven’t watched the first movie (spoiler alert): Michael Jordan played basketball with the likes of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck… in space. Yeah, it’s not gonna receive any nominations as it is purely comedic and ridiculous beyond belief, with Lebron James this time around. And honestly, it’s a movie I’m really excited for.
The Suicide Squad
Release Date: August 6, 2021
Genre: Superhero Action / Adventure
Director / Writer: James Gunn
Under the helm of James Gunn who was kicked out from Marvel under ‘political opinions on Twitter’, this is pretty much James Gunn’s massive rebuttal against Marvel with his release of The Suicide Squad.
Dune
Release Date: October 1, 2021
Genre: Sci-Fi Epic
Director: Dennis Villenueve
Writer: Dennis Villenueve, Jon Spaiths and Eric Roth
Dune tells the story of a gifted young man born into a dynasty who traverses the most dangerous planet in the universe to secure his family’s future. With Villenueve’s track record of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and Arrival (2016), this is a must watch for both sci-fi fans of Frank Herbert’s book serialization and newcomers alike.
King Richard
Release Date: November 19, 2021
Genre: True Story Drama
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Writer: Zach Baylin
This film ventures to tell the story of the father of Venus and Serena Williams, two tennis legends.
The Matrix 4
Release Date: December 22, 2021
Genre: Sci-Fi Epic
Director: Lana Wachowski
Writer: Lana Wachowski, Aleksandar Hamon and David Mitchell
Considering how it ended, I am really skeptical about this one. The details are still unclear and in my personal opinion, it feels like they are going to be really banking on Keanu Reeves’ star power to make this tired horse work.
Mortal Kombat
Release Date: April 16, 2021
Genre: Action / Martial Arts
Director: Simon Mcquoid
Writer: Greg Russo and Dave Callaham
When will industries ever learn that video games will never make for good live action adaptations. For anyone who has played the game and is a huge fan of it, keep your expectations low and you will never be disappointed.
Malignant
Release Date: TBA 2021
Genre: Horror
Director: James Wan
Writer: Akela Cooper
The original director of the first two mainline Conjuring films (the only good ones) is working on another mysterious original horror film, one worth keeping your eyes on.
Those Who Wish Me Dead
Release Date : TBA 2021
Genre : Thriller
Director : Taylor Sheridan
Writer : Taylor Sheridan and Michael Koryta
In this movie, a teenaged murder witness is pursued by two assassins in the wilderness, protected by a survival expert.
Cry Macho
Release Date: TBA 2021
Genre: Dramatic Thriller
Director: Clint Eastwood
Writer: N. Richard Nash
Cry Macho follows an old rodeo star and horse breeder who goes to take a young boy from his alcoholic mother. On the journey back, he forms a bond with the young boy.
And that’s a wrap!
Although HBO Max is currently unavailable for streaming in Malaysia as it has not opened subscription to the country yet, this can be overcome by using a VPN server or proxy. You can either subscribe or use other means to access these live streaming US services of HBO Max, Disney +, Netflix and so on. May you stream movies well and safely in the year 2021.
Written by Kishaun Xavier.