The movie industry has dealt with many struggles this year, adapting to changing times during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Around 700 movie theaters closed in North America over one week this November, and the number keeps rising.
Due to the struggles of social distancing, COVID has changed the way films get made as well as how they are distributed. Some movie studios have been forced to adapt to the pandemic by releasing movies like Mortal Kombat on streaming services early or alongside a theater release.
Warner Bros. has had to take a similar approach with the upcoming Mortal Kombat movie reboot. Instead of solely releasing the film in theaters first, the company has decided to release Mortal Kombat on HBO Max the same day as its theatrical release for one month of streaming access.
WarnerMedia CEO and Chair Ann Sarnoff said these unprecedented times forced the company to develop creative solutions to its problems. As much as WarnerMedia would like to help its allies in the movie theater business, it has to face the reality that cinemas in the U.S. are most likely going to operate at a reduced capacity throughout most of 2021. WarnerMedia has devised a one-year plan for its 2021 films to support its partners while still making content available for viewers stuck at home.
Fellow WarnerMedia executive Jason Kilar said the company is planning on bringing 17 new films to fans throughout the year. The company wants to give the audience the ability to choose how they want to view films, whether at movie theaters or in the comfort of their own home. Kilar said WarnerMedia's feature flicks are "precious," and the company would prefer this option over almost no one being able to see them at all. WarnerMedia believes this decision will bring better creative value to the movies, and this is best for all parties involved in the creative process; fans, exhibitors, and filmmakers alike.
Regardless of how people view the movie, it is sure to be enjoyable for some. Lewis Tan, one of the actors for the film, said the Mortal Kombat movie fatalities are so violent they made him sick to his stomach. If anything, that news alone should make diehard fans excited for the film. Hopefully, everyone can enjoy this and other WarnerMedia films with loved ones, no matter the venue.
Mortal Kombat will premiere in 2021 in theaters and on HBO Max
Source: Variety