Dune, Godzilla Vs. Kong Producer May Sue Warner Bros Over HBO Max Streaming Decision

Last week, Warner Bros. rocked the entertainment world with an unprecedented announcement: Every one of their 2021 releases would hit their streaming service, HBO Max, simultaneously with theatrical release. This means that in the upcoming year, major blockbusters like The Suicide Squad, Dune, and Godzilla vs. Kong will be available to watch from the comfort of your living room right away. It's a plan they're rolling out this month with the release of Wonder Woman 1984, the pilot film in the program, which will be in theatres were available and on HBO Max on Christmas day.

The plan has, unsurprisingly, caused quite a stir. Designed with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, Warner Bros. maintains that this is a temporary solution and will only extend through the end of 2021--but some of their partners in production are less than thrilled about the arrangement.

Variety reports that Legendary Entertainment, the co-finaner of films like Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong are considering legal action to fight against the decision. Sources say that, while no challenge has been filed yet, a potential breach of contract may be used as grounds to take things to court. Apparently the top brass of Legendary feel as though Warner Bros was not transparent in their intentions leading up to the big announcement, leaving those with financial stakes in the films without say in how their films were distributed.

Also according to Variety, Dune director Denis Villeneuve felt similar frustrations and would much rather see Dune get a traditional theatrical release.

Legendary and their partners are not alone in their frustration. The CEO of AMC Theaters has publicly aired grievances about the decision saying that "Clearly, Warner Media intends to sacrifice a considerable portion of the profitability of its movie studio division, and that of its production partners and filmmakers, to subsidize its HBO Max startup."

It is unclear what potential repercussions legal action, if filed, could have on the plan or on the release of any of the affected films. One potential outcome may be a buyout of the films by Warner Bros outright before distribution.

Godzilla vs. Kong is scheduled to hit theaters and HBO Max on May 21 while Dune is scheduled to hit theaters and HBO Max on October 1.