Monthly Archives: December 2020

Lord of the Rings Actors Are Trying to Save J.R.R. Tolkien’s Home

The Lord of the Rings community is coming together to fundraise enough money to purchase the home where J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. According to the project's website, the goal is to turn the North Oxford house into "not a dry museum, but a homely house of continuing creativity" and will have "an engaging online presence to bring into the house's programme those who cannot travel to Oxford." Middle-earth actors Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, and John Rhys-Davies, as well as songwriter Annie Lennox, took part in filming a video detailing the fundraiser.   The campaign was launched on December 2 by novelist Julia Golding. She negotiated a deal with the owner of the house to give her three months to raise the funds needed to buy it, according to Entertainment Weekly. Approximately 6% of the $6 million goal has been raised, according to the donation page on the project's website. Only $5.3 million is needed to purchase the house itself, but extra money will go towards restoring Tolkien's garden, building a Hobbit hole, and creating "Smaug's lair for pipe smokers." Tolkien lived in the house from 1930 to 1947. A FAQ on the fundraiser's website said that The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were written in that house and Tolkien's children grew up there. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-every-confirmed-actor&captions=true"] 90 years later and Middle-earth is one of the biggest entertainment properties around. Amazon reportedly dropped $250 million just for the rights to make a TV series set in Middle-earth and is expected to spend upwards of $1 billion to make multiple seasons. The series is expected to be back to filming after a COVID-19 shutdown. It's also been reported that multiple Lord of the Rings characters from the movies will be a part of the highly-anticipated show. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/24/the-lord-of-the-rings-gollum-teaser-trailer"] Aside from a Lord of the Rings TV show, there's a Gollum video game coming soon. Titled The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, it's described as a stealth game mixed with Prince of Persia. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN who is more excited for Gollum: Prince of Persia than anything else right now.

Lord of the Rings Actors Are Trying to Save J.R.R. Tolkien’s Home

The Lord of the Rings community is coming together to fundraise enough money to purchase the home where J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. According to the project's website, the goal is to turn the North Oxford house into "not a dry museum, but a homely house of continuing creativity" and will have "an engaging online presence to bring into the house's programme those who cannot travel to Oxford." Middle-earth actors Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, and John Rhys-Davies, as well as songwriter Annie Lennox, took part in filming a video detailing the fundraiser.   The campaign was launched on December 2 by novelist Julia Golding. She negotiated a deal with the owner of the house to give her three months to raise the funds needed to buy it, according to Entertainment Weekly. Approximately 6% of the $6 million goal has been raised, according to the donation page on the project's website. Only $5.3 million is needed to purchase the house itself, but extra money will go towards restoring Tolkien's garden, building a Hobbit hole, and creating "Smaug's lair for pipe smokers." Tolkien lived in the house from 1930 to 1947. A FAQ on the fundraiser's website said that The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were written in that house and Tolkien's children grew up there. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-every-confirmed-actor&captions=true"] 90 years later and Middle-earth is one of the biggest entertainment properties around. Amazon reportedly dropped $250 million just for the rights to make a TV series set in Middle-earth and is expected to spend upwards of $1 billion to make multiple seasons. The series is expected to be back to filming after a COVID-19 shutdown. It's also been reported that multiple Lord of the Rings characters from the movies will be a part of the highly-anticipated show. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/24/the-lord-of-the-rings-gollum-teaser-trailer"] Aside from a Lord of the Rings TV show, there's a Gollum video game coming soon. Titled The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, it's described as a stealth game mixed with Prince of Persia. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN who is more excited for Gollum: Prince of Persia than anything else right now.

Amazon’s Lord of the Rings Adds 20 New Cast Members

Amazon has revealed the names of 20 new actors joining its Lord of the Rings series TV series, which is currently in production in New Zealand. Some of the notable cast members joining Lord of the Rings' growing ensemble include Arrowverse and Spartacus actress Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Ozark's Peter Mullan, and Knightfall's Simon Merrells. For a look at the complete list of actors starring in the upcoming adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic, check out the gallery below: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-every-confirmed-actor&captions=true"] Amazon has not revealed which characters these actors will be portraying, but series showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay had this to say about the recent casting announcement: "The world that J.R.R. Tolkien created is epic, diverse, and filled with heart. These extraordinarily talented performers, hailing from across the globe, represent the culmination of a multi-year search to find brilliant and unique artists to bring that world to life anew. The international cast of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings series is more than just an ensemble. It is a family. We are thrilled to welcome each of them to Middle-earth." For more Lord of the Rings, find out why actor Hugo Weaving has no interest in ever playing Elrond again, find out which three classic characters will make appearances in Amazon's Lord of the Rings series, and check out this awesome King Thranduil statue from The Hobbit. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/19/lord-of-the-rings-series-gets-early-season-2-renewal-from-amazon-ign-now"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He's also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.

Amazon’s Lord of the Rings Adds 20 New Cast Members

Amazon has revealed the names of 20 new actors joining its Lord of the Rings series TV series, which is currently in production in New Zealand. Some of the notable cast members joining Lord of the Rings' growing ensemble include Arrowverse and Spartacus actress Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Ozark's Peter Mullan, and Knightfall's Simon Merrells. For a look at the complete list of actors starring in the upcoming adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic, check out the gallery below: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=amazons-the-lord-of-the-rings-every-confirmed-actor&captions=true"] Amazon has not revealed which characters these actors will be portraying, but series showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay had this to say about the recent casting announcement: "The world that J.R.R. Tolkien created is epic, diverse, and filled with heart. These extraordinarily talented performers, hailing from across the globe, represent the culmination of a multi-year search to find brilliant and unique artists to bring that world to life anew. The international cast of Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings series is more than just an ensemble. It is a family. We are thrilled to welcome each of them to Middle-earth." For more Lord of the Rings, find out why actor Hugo Weaving has no interest in ever playing Elrond again, find out which three classic characters will make appearances in Amazon's Lord of the Rings series, and check out this awesome King Thranduil statue from The Hobbit. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/19/lord-of-the-rings-series-gets-early-season-2-renewal-from-amazon-ign-now"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He's also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.

BioWare: Casey Hudson, Mark Darrah Depart Company

EA has announced that Casey Hudson, the general manager of BioWare, and Mark Darrah, the executive producer on the upcoming Dragon Age, will be departing the company. All currently ongoing projects, including Anthem Next, the next Dragon Age, and the Mass Effect: The Legendary Edition remasters among them, will continue as planned despite the leadership shifts. Samantha Ryan will continue to oversee the studio, while Christian Dailey, who joined BioWare from Blizzard, will now be leading the Dragon Age project as executive producer, with Matthew Goldman remaining as creative director on the project. And the Mass Effect collection will continue to be led by Mike Gamble as that team also remains "hard at work on the future of that franchise." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/dragon-age-4-behind-the-scenes-teaser"] This marks Hudson's second departure from Bioware, after he first left the studio in 2014 and announced a new position at Microsoft in 2015. Hudson rejoined BioWare in 2017 when then-GM Aaryn Flynn stepped down. While the company searches for a new GM, Gary McKay, the senior director of development operations, will act as interim Studio GM. "They will always be an important part of the studio’s history, we appreciate their many contributions, and we look forward to seeing what they’ll each do next," Laura Miele, Chief Studios Officer. EA, said in a statement announcing the duo's departure. "It’s not an easy decision to make, and big changes like this always come with a certain degree of sadness. I will miss being able to work every day with our inspiring developers on the biggest and most exciting projects I can imagine. But I also know that this is a good time for a change, for both myself and BioWare," Hudson said in a post explaining his departure. "It’s profound and humbling to look back on a decades-long career and think about the things we’ve achieved together. It’s hard to make the decision to move on, but I’m excited about what’s next, for all of us." Darrah also wrote about the decision to leave, saying "This has been a very difficult decision for me. The team of amazing developers on Dragon Age, make my life fuller and better. They have taught me so much. But the strength of the team is also what makes this possible. I know that Dragon Age won’t just survive without me, it will thrive. "Christian Dailey is a strong leader and will provide great insight to the rest of the Dragon Age leadership who remain. This is a team that includes people with decades of experience at BioWare. I am confident that, together, this is the team that can make this Dragon Age the best one yet." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=43-new-images-from-dragon-age-4&captions=true"] In the meantime, BioWare's long list of projects will continue - the company continues to produce Star Wars: The Old Republic, and work continues on Anthem Next, as BioWare hopes to revive the looter-shooter with a massive overhaul. Recent looks at Anthem 2.0 have included planned changes to loot and weapons, as well as Javelin builds and skill trees. (Christian Dailey, who is joining the DA team, has been the person behind these lengthy Anthem blog post updates.) Meanwhile, BioWare celebrated N7 Day this year with the official confirmation of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, slated for a spring 2021 release, while also teasing that a new Mass Effect project is in the works from a "veteran team." And, of course, Dragon Age 4 is also in the works following its teaser reveal at The Game Awards 2018, and most recently a behind-the-scenes look at Dragon Age 4 development during Gamescom 2020. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

BioWare: Casey Hudson, Mark Darrah Depart Company

EA has announced that Casey Hudson, the general manager of BioWare, and Mark Darrah, the executive producer on the upcoming Dragon Age, will be departing the company. All currently ongoing projects, including Anthem Next, the next Dragon Age, and the Mass Effect: The Legendary Edition remasters among them, will continue as planned despite the leadership shifts. Samantha Ryan will continue to oversee the studio, while Christian Dailey, who joined BioWare from Blizzard, will now be leading the Dragon Age project as executive producer, with Matthew Goldman remaining as creative director on the project. And the Mass Effect collection will continue to be led by Mike Gamble as that team also remains "hard at work on the future of that franchise." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/dragon-age-4-behind-the-scenes-teaser"] This marks Hudson's second departure from Bioware, after he first left the studio in 2014 and announced a new position at Microsoft in 2015. Hudson rejoined BioWare in 2017 when then-GM Aaryn Flynn stepped down. While the company searches for a new GM, Gary McKay, the senior director of development operations, will act as interim Studio GM. "They will always be an important part of the studio’s history, we appreciate their many contributions, and we look forward to seeing what they’ll each do next," Laura Miele, Chief Studios Officer. EA, said in a statement announcing the duo's departure. "It’s not an easy decision to make, and big changes like this always come with a certain degree of sadness. I will miss being able to work every day with our inspiring developers on the biggest and most exciting projects I can imagine. But I also know that this is a good time for a change, for both myself and BioWare," Hudson said in a post explaining his departure. "It’s profound and humbling to look back on a decades-long career and think about the things we’ve achieved together. It’s hard to make the decision to move on, but I’m excited about what’s next, for all of us." Darrah also wrote about the decision to leave, saying "This has been a very difficult decision for me. The team of amazing developers on Dragon Age, make my life fuller and better. They have taught me so much. But the strength of the team is also what makes this possible. I know that Dragon Age won’t just survive without me, it will thrive. "Christian Dailey is a strong leader and will provide great insight to the rest of the Dragon Age leadership who remain. This is a team that includes people with decades of experience at BioWare. I am confident that, together, this is the team that can make this Dragon Age the best one yet." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=43-new-images-from-dragon-age-4&captions=true"] In the meantime, BioWare's long list of projects will continue - the company continues to produce Star Wars: The Old Republic, and work continues on Anthem Next, as BioWare hopes to revive the looter-shooter with a massive overhaul. Recent looks at Anthem 2.0 have included planned changes to loot and weapons, as well as Javelin builds and skill trees. (Christian Dailey, who is joining the DA team, has been the person behind these lengthy Anthem blog post updates.) Meanwhile, BioWare celebrated N7 Day this year with the official confirmation of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, slated for a spring 2021 release, while also teasing that a new Mass Effect project is in the works from a "veteran team." And, of course, Dragon Age 4 is also in the works following its teaser reveal at The Game Awards 2018, and most recently a behind-the-scenes look at Dragon Age 4 development during Gamescom 2020. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jonathon Dornbush is IGN's Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

House of the Dragon: New Dragon Art Released for Game of Thrones Prequel

HBO has released concept art from House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel, and announced that production begins within the next few months. The concept art was dropped right at the end of HBO's bombshell press release on Thursday where it was announced that all of WarnerMedia's 2021 movies will be released on HBO Max as well as in theaters. Two concept art images of a dragon were released from the new Game of Thrones series. "Principal photography starts on the next Game of Thrones series, House of the Dragon, in a few months," the press release said. "Look out for dragons overhead!" [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=house-of-the-dragon-images-and-concept-art&captions=true"] House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood, which was released in November 2018. The series will explore the Targaryan family about 300 years before Daenerys and the rest of the events of Game of Thrones. House of the Dragon will consist of 10 episodes for its first season and will likely premiere on HBO in 2022. Paddy Considine has reportedly been cast as King Viserys Targaryen. IGN has a full explainer into House of the Dragon's time period, major characters in the book, and potential events that the series will cover. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/23/george-r-r-martin-gives-an-update-on-the-winds-of-winter"] Game of Thrones may have ended its run over a year ago but new details continue to come out about the blockbuster series. Martin recently revealed that he filmed a cameo for the original Game of Thrones pilot but didn't return to film the role when the pilot was re-shot. Martin also spoke out on the Game of Thrones scene that he hates the most. More importantly, Martin hopes to finish writing Winds of Winter by the end of 2021. Also, during the time Game of Thrones has been over, a pilot for another Game of Thrones prequel series was filmed, but that spinoff is not moving forward. It would've focused on the Age of Heroes. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN.  

House of the Dragon: New Dragon Art Released for Game of Thrones Prequel

HBO has released concept art from House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel, and announced that production begins within the next few months. The concept art was dropped right at the end of HBO's bombshell press release on Thursday where it was announced that all of WarnerMedia's 2021 movies will be released on HBO Max as well as in theaters. Two concept art images of a dragon were released from the new Game of Thrones series. "Principal photography starts on the next Game of Thrones series, House of the Dragon, in a few months," the press release said. "Look out for dragons overhead!" [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=house-of-the-dragon-images-and-concept-art&captions=true"] House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin's book, Fire & Blood, which was released in November 2018. The series will explore the Targaryan family about 300 years before Daenerys and the rest of the events of Game of Thrones. House of the Dragon will consist of 10 episodes for its first season and will likely premiere on HBO in 2022. Paddy Considine has reportedly been cast as King Viserys Targaryen. IGN has a full explainer into House of the Dragon's time period, major characters in the book, and potential events that the series will cover. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/23/george-r-r-martin-gives-an-update-on-the-winds-of-winter"] Game of Thrones may have ended its run over a year ago but new details continue to come out about the blockbuster series. Martin recently revealed that he filmed a cameo for the original Game of Thrones pilot but didn't return to film the role when the pilot was re-shot. Martin also spoke out on the Game of Thrones scene that he hates the most. More importantly, Martin hopes to finish writing Winds of Winter by the end of 2021. Also, during the time Game of Thrones has been over, a pilot for another Game of Thrones prequel series was filmed, but that spinoff is not moving forward. It would've focused on the Age of Heroes. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN.  

UPDATED: WB to Offer All 2021 Films on HBO Max in Addition to Theatrical Releases

Warner Bros. announced an industry-shaking approach to distributing its films in 2021, revealing that it will be making all 17 of its theatrically-released movies that year available concurrently for a one-month exclusive window on HBO Max. That means United States-based consumers will be able to watch highly anticipated releases including Dune, The Matrix 4, The Suicide Squad, Mortal Kombat, and more at the same time on HBO Max as they would be able to see them released in theaters. More importantly, watching the movies will require no extra cost to HBO Max subscribers. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/warner-bros-and-hbo-max-2021-movies-announcement-trailer"] Warner Bros. announced the news on Thursday, citing the hybrid streaming and theatrical release change as "as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the U.S." All films will release on HBO Max in 4K Ultra HD and HDR on HBO Max. After the one-month HBO Max exclusive window is up, the movies will continue to run in theaters in the United States and internationally, "with all customary distribution windows applying to the title." HBO Max released this new promo imagery as part of their announcement: hbo-max-2021-warner-bros-movie-lineup This news will impact Warner Bros. Pictures Group 2021 expected* (which they included in their announcement with an asterisk) release slate, which currently includes The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho and Matrix 4. “We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said WarnerMedia Studios Chair and CEO Ann Sarnoff in a statement. “No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/dune-official-trailer"] “This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We have a fantastic, wide ranging slate of titles from talented and visionary filmmakers next year, and we’re excited to be able get these movies in front of audiences around the world. And, as always, we’ll support all of our releases with innovative and robust marketing campaigns for their theatrical debuts, while highlighting this unique opportunity to see our films domestically via HBO Max as well.” This news comes after Warner Bros. already announced similar plans for Wonder Woman 1984, which will come out in theaters and on HBO Max on December 25th. As HBO Max is currently only available in the United States, this means Warner Bros. international debuts of these films will continue as planned, as The Hollywood Reporter points out. Per THR's Aaron Couch, "Some partners such as Legendary, which has Godzilla vs. Kong, were not aware" that this news was happening. These massive releases will join the previously announced 2021 debuts of Zack Snyder's Justice League, the Friends reunion special, Gossip Girl reboot as well as the new season of Succession, making this the biggest calling card for HBO Max to drive new subscribers yet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=everything-coming-to-hbo-max&captions=true"] While release dates still could shift, these are the currently announced release dates for each of the movies in Warner Bros.'s 2021 slate:
  • The Little Things - January 29, 2021
  • Tom & Jerry - March 5, 2021
  • The Many Saints of Newark - March 12, 2021
  • Reminiscence - April 16, 2021
  • Godzilla vs. Kong - May 21, 2021
  • The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - June 4, 2021
  • In The Heights - June 18, 2021
  • Space Jam: A New Legacy - July 16, 2021
  • The Suicide Squad - August 6, 2021
  • Dune - October 1, 2021
  • King Richard - November 19, 2021
  • Matrix 4 - December 22, 2021
  • Cry Macho - TBD
  • Malignant - TBD
  • Those Who Wish Me Dead - TBD
  • Mortal Kombat - TBD
  • Judas and the Black Messiah - TBD
HBO Max posted about the news on its Twitter page along with a short video teasing all the upcoming titles that consumers will now be able to watch, as it touts, "in theaters and on HBO Max the exact same day." A release from WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar about this news also revealed that principal photography for House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones spinoff series, will start "in a few months," revealing new concept art which you can see below: house-of-the-dragon-game-of-thrones-concept-art house-of-the-dragon-game-of-thrones-concept-art-2 [poilib element="accentDivider"] Terri Schwartz is Director of Content Strategy and Partnerships at IGN. Talk to her on Twitter at @Terri_Schwartz.

UPDATED: WB to Offer All 2021 Films on HBO Max in Addition to Theatrical Releases

Warner Bros. announced an industry-shaking approach to distributing its films in 2021, revealing that it will be making all 17 of its theatrically-released movies that year available concurrently for a one-month exclusive window on HBO Max. That means United States-based consumers will be able to watch highly anticipated releases including Dune, The Matrix 4, The Suicide Squad, Mortal Kombat, and more at the same time on HBO Max as they would be able to see them released in theaters. More importantly, watching the movies will require no extra cost to HBO Max subscribers. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/warner-bros-and-hbo-max-2021-movies-announcement-trailer"] Warner Bros. announced the news on Thursday, citing the hybrid streaming and theatrical release change as "as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the U.S." All films will release on HBO Max in 4K Ultra HD and HDR on HBO Max. After the one-month HBO Max exclusive window is up, the movies will continue to run in theaters in the United States and internationally, "with all customary distribution windows applying to the title." HBO Max released this new promo imagery as part of their announcement: hbo-max-2021-warner-bros-movie-lineup This news will impact Warner Bros. Pictures Group 2021 expected* (which they included in their announcement with an asterisk) release slate, which currently includes The Little Things, Judas and the Black Messiah, Tom & Jerry, Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, Those Who Wish Me Dead, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, In The Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, Reminiscence, Malignant, Dune, The Many Saints of Newark, King Richard, Cry Macho and Matrix 4. “We’re living in unprecedented times which call for creative solutions, including this new initiative for the Warner Bros. Pictures Group,” said WarnerMedia Studios Chair and CEO Ann Sarnoff in a statement. “No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do. We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout 2021. With this unique one-year plan, we can support our partners in exhibition with a steady pipeline of world-class films, while also giving moviegoers who may not have access to theaters or aren’t quite ready to go back to the movies the chance to see our amazing 2021 films. We see it as a win-win for film lovers and exhibitors, and we’re extremely grateful to our filmmaking partners for working with us on this innovative response to these circumstances.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/dune-official-trailer"] “This hybrid exhibition model enables us to best support our films, creative partners and moviegoing in general throughout 2021,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We have a fantastic, wide ranging slate of titles from talented and visionary filmmakers next year, and we’re excited to be able get these movies in front of audiences around the world. And, as always, we’ll support all of our releases with innovative and robust marketing campaigns for their theatrical debuts, while highlighting this unique opportunity to see our films domestically via HBO Max as well.” This news comes after Warner Bros. already announced similar plans for Wonder Woman 1984, which will come out in theaters and on HBO Max on December 25th. As HBO Max is currently only available in the United States, this means Warner Bros. international debuts of these films will continue as planned, as The Hollywood Reporter points out. Per THR's Aaron Couch, "Some partners such as Legendary, which has Godzilla vs. Kong, were not aware" that this news was happening. These massive releases will join the previously announced 2021 debuts of Zack Snyder's Justice League, the Friends reunion special, Gossip Girl reboot as well as the new season of Succession, making this the biggest calling card for HBO Max to drive new subscribers yet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=everything-coming-to-hbo-max&captions=true"] While release dates still could shift, these are the currently announced release dates for each of the movies in Warner Bros.'s 2021 slate:
  • The Little Things - January 29, 2021
  • Tom & Jerry - March 5, 2021
  • The Many Saints of Newark - March 12, 2021
  • Reminiscence - April 16, 2021
  • Godzilla vs. Kong - May 21, 2021
  • The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - June 4, 2021
  • In The Heights - June 18, 2021
  • Space Jam: A New Legacy - July 16, 2021
  • The Suicide Squad - August 6, 2021
  • Dune - October 1, 2021
  • King Richard - November 19, 2021
  • Matrix 4 - December 22, 2021
  • Cry Macho - TBD
  • Malignant - TBD
  • Those Who Wish Me Dead - TBD
  • Mortal Kombat - TBD
  • Judas and the Black Messiah - TBD
HBO Max posted about the news on its Twitter page along with a short video teasing all the upcoming titles that consumers will now be able to watch, as it touts, "in theaters and on HBO Max the exact same day." A release from WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar about this news also revealed that principal photography for House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones spinoff series, will start "in a few months," revealing new concept art which you can see below: house-of-the-dragon-game-of-thrones-concept-art house-of-the-dragon-game-of-thrones-concept-art-2 [poilib element="accentDivider"] Terri Schwartz is Director of Content Strategy and Partnerships at IGN. Talk to her on Twitter at @Terri_Schwartz.