BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, February 8 - Last year, Walt Disney company faced the heat over Scarlett Johansson's "Black Widow's" day-and-date Disney+ release, which reportedly cost Disney a whopping $40 million to settle the lawsuit filed against it. And now, the same is happening with Warner Bros.## Village Roadshow Pictures, the producers of the recently released science fiction action film, "The Matrix Resurrections", has sued Warner Bros. for breaching the contract. The Keanu Reeves-fronted movie was released in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously in December last year, which is the reason behind the lawsuit. ## Village Roadshow Pictures has alleged that Warner Bros. is prioritizing HBO Max to increase streamer's popularity at the cost of movies box office revenue. ## "WB's sole purpose in moving the release date of The Matrix Resurrections forward was to create a desperately needed wave of year-end HBO Max premium subscriptions from what it knew would be a blockbuster film, despite knowing full well that it would decimate the film's box office revenue and deprive Village Roadshow of any economic upside that WB and its affiliates would enjoy, especially as compared to a 2022 exclusive theatrical release", states the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, according to The Hollywood Reporter. ## Warner Bros. said in a statement, "This is a frivolous attempt by Village Roadshow to avoid their contractual commitment to participate in the arbitration that we commenced against them last week. We have no doubt that this case will be resolved in our favor".## The production company alleged that "The Matrix Resurrections" was supposed to release in 2022, but was moved up by Warner Bros. to boost HBO Max's subscribers. The day-and-date release of The Matrix sequel really put a massive dent in its box office potential as the movie grossed only $37 million domestically. It is also causing huge losses to actors, producers, and other financial partners whose revenue depends on the film's box office numbers. ## Warner Bros. renegotiated contracts tied to box office performance when it announced that it would put its entire slate of 2021 movies onto HBO Max and in theaters. However, according to THR, the lawsuit said no such deal was reached with Village Roadshow over Matrix Resurrections, adding that the rushed release caused it to be rampantly pirated, further hurting its box office returns. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, January 29 - Last year, it was revealed that Marvel Studios' superhero film "Black Widow", which was released simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ in the US, was the most pirated title of the year. It eventually cost Disney a whopping $600 million loss. ## Unsurprisingly, the superhero movies or shows, were the most pirated titles in 2021, as revealed earlier. However, the latest data reveals that it was not a superhero movie but "Godzilla vs. Kong" was the most pirated movie of 2021. It had a day-and-date release in theaters and on HBO Max in March 2021. ## According to a report released by tech firm Akamai in collaboration with MUSO, revealed that Warner Bros.' monster movie topped the list of most pirated movies of 2021, followed by Warner Bros.' "Zack Snyder's Justice League" and "Black Widow", respectively. ## The Top 10 most pirated movies of 2021 (January to September) are - 1. "Godzilla vs. Kong", 2. "Zack Snyder's Justice League", 3. "Black Widow", 4. "Fast & Furious 9", 5. "Mortal Kombat", 6. "The Suicide Squad", 7. "Cruella", 8. "Wonder Woman 1984", 9. "Raya and the Last Dragon", 10. "Jungle Cruise". ## Moving to the most pirated shows, Disney's "Loki" and "WandaVision" take the top two spots, respectively while streamer's "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" was the 4th most illegally watched show of 2021. Late last year, TorrentFreak released its own list of the most pirated TV shows, which similarly had "WandaVision" and "Loki" in the top two spots (though flipped from Akamai's ranking).## The Top 10 most pirated shows of 2021 (January to September) are - 1. "Loki - S1", 2. "WandaVision - S1", 3. "Rick and Morty - S5", 4. "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier - S1", 5. "The Walking Dead - S10", 6. "Game of Thrones - S8", 7. "The Flash - S7", 8. "Vikings - S6", 9. "True Beauty - S1", 10. "Superman & Lois - S1". ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, January 28 - John Cena-fronted HBO Max series, "Peacemaker" is getting massive attention worldwide. The comedy series, which is a spinoff of James Gunn's last year's "The Suicide Squad", is currently the most-in-demand series globally. ## Created and directed by James Gunn, "Peacemaker" was 69.5 times more in demand than the average series, according to the data firm Parrot Analytics (via business insider). Parrot Analytics measures audience demand, which accounts for the interest in and engagement with, or overall popularity, of a TV series.## The series is currently among the most rated DC Comics titles on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 94%. It stars John Cena as the title character, reprising his role from The Suicide Squad, with Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick also playing key roles.## As per the report, "Peacemaker" surpassed Netflix's hit fantasy series "The Witcher" and Disney+'s "Star Wars" show "The Book of Boba Fett" in demand. Interestingly, the total demand for the Max series grew by 39.2% in 2021 whereas Netflix originals in the same 12-month period grew only by 10.3%.## Going by the report of the business insider, HBO Max was the fastest-growing major streaming service in 2021 when it came to the demand share for originals, according to Parrot Analytics. This is interesting, knowing the fact that HBO Max has far fewer subscribers than Netflix or other popular streamers. ## "Peacemaker" premiered on HBO Max on January 13, 2022, with its first three episodes. The rest of the series is being released weekly through February 17. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, January 25 - The upcoming HBO Max feature film "Batgirl", based on DC Comics has officially cast Ivory Aquino as Alysia Yeoh. Both Aquino and Yeoh are transgender, marking the first time a live-action DC Comics feature film will feature an openly trans character.## Ivory Aquino as Alysia Yeoh will play the best friend of the titular superhero, a.k.a. Barbara Gordon played by Leslie Grace in this original HBO Max film. Yeoh first appeared in a 2011 issue of "Batgirl" written by Gail Simone and penciled by Ardian Syaf.## According to Variety, news of Aquino's casting first leaked online in mid-January after Grace posted a photo seemingly from the set of the film to her Instagram story, tagging Aquino and captioning the shot (of two women crossing the street) with "Barbara and Alysia".## There have been several strides in broadening LGBTQ+ representation in superhero adaptations over the past few years. The latest such example was seen in Marvel Studios' feature film "Eternals", which included the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first same-sex couple, played by Brian Tyree Henry and Haaz Sleiman.## Meanwhile, the "Batgirl" is being directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. It also stars J.K. Simmons, Brendan Fraser, Michael Keaton (reprising his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman, which he will first do in "The Flash" in late 2022), and Jacob Scipio. "Batgirl" is currently slated for a late 2022 release on HBO Max.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, December 23 - Michael Keaton was recently confirmed to return as Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman in the upcoming "The Flash" movie starring Ezra Miller in the title role. Now, according to Variety, the actor will also be reprising his iconic role in "Batgirl", the upcoming HBO Max superhero film. ## Keaten will be making his return as Caped Crusader alongside Leslie Grace, who's playing the title role in the first "Batgirl" film. Though the plot details about "Batgirl" have been kept under wraps for now, the film centers on the heroine whose real identity is Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Gotham police commissioner Jim Gordon.## J.K. Simmons is returning to portray Jim Gordon after first playing the character in Zack Snyder's "Justice League". Brendan Fraser is playing the villainous Firefly, a sociopath with a passion for pyrotechnics. "Batgirl" is currently in production in London under the direction of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah ("Bad Boys for Life"). It will be debuting on HBO Max in 2022. ## Meanwhile, Keaton first played Caped Crusader in Tim Burton's "Batman" (1989). He then reprised his role in Burton's "Batman Returns" (1992). And now, after nearly 30 years, he is making his comeback as Batman in two films, both due on the 2022 release. Interestingly, "The Flash" will also feature Ben Affleck, who played Batman in four DC films from 2016 to 2021.## Over the years, Keaton has been expressing his wish to revisit his iconic role. During Variety's Award Circuit podcast, Keaton said that he wouldn't necessarily do it just because he was curious. The script has to be good and there has to be a reason for him to do that. And it seems, he finally found that reason. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, November 7 - Hollywood star Will Smith, who stars in and produced the upcoming biographical drama film "King Richard" as the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, took a step towards helping his co-stars in film financially after WarnerMedia opted to launch the studio's 2021 theatrical slate day-and-date in theaters and on streaming service HBO Max. ## Warner Bros., however, compensated its top-tier talent for lost theatrical returns from the 2021 slate. Taking a step further, Will Smith, who reportedly received a hefty paycheck of $40 million for "King Richard", distributed his own money to the film's co-stars, according to The Hollywood Reporter. ## The THR report suggests that Will Smith personally wrote checks to the cast which includes Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton, who play Tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, Tony Goldwyn, Jon Bernthal, and Aunjanue Ellis, among others.## It further states that bonus, given by Smith to his co-stars on top of what they already received from the studio as compensation for the pivot to simultaneous HBO Max release strategy by Warner Studios. The decision, however, got sharp criticism from the top Hollywood filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan. ## Meanwhile, "King Richard", which is scheduled to release on November 19, 2021, is based on a true story that will inspire the world. King Richard follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, October 25 - Warner Bros. Pictures' latest offering "Dune" is playing in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously. Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic debuted on HBO Max a day before it opened in theaters on October 22. The movie is part of Warner Bros.' decision of releasing its 2021 slate day-and-date in theaters and on HBO Max. ## Touted as one of the finest cinematic outings, "Dune" had a fantastic debut at the domestic box office. With $41 million in the 3-day weekend, "Dune" takes the biggest domestic opening weekend for Warner Bros. in 2021 to date. Despite being available on the streamer, a large US audience chooses to watch the film on the big screen. ## On HBO Max, 1.9 million US households watched the film in the opening weekend, including Thursday showing views. While the studio should be pleased with streaming numbers, the domestic steaming viewership of the film, however, fell short of recently released "Space Jam: A New Legacy" (16 July), which gained 2.2 million views. Though "Dune" performed better than "Zack Snyder's Justice League" (18 March), which was watched by 1.8 million households on HBO Max in the opening weekend.## TV analytics firm Samba TV, which exclusively provided data to VIP+ showing, also suggests (via variety) that "Dune" among the movies debuted on Thursday, has the second-best showing on HBO Max, behind James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad" (5 August), which attracted 2.8 million US households during the Thursday-Sunday debut.## Among the films that debuted on HBO Max and in theaters in 2021, "Mortal Kombat" (23 April) has the highest number of viewers with 3.8 million in the opening weekend, beginning on Friday. "Godzilla vs. Kong", which was released on a Wednesday (31 March), gained 3.6 million views during the 5-day weekend.## Samba TV collects viewership data through proprietary content recognition technology on opted-in smart TVs and through partnerships with cable TV providers. Samba uses its dataset to estimate household TV viewership but does not estimate viewership on devices other than TVs. Panel members must watch a title for at least five minutes to be counted as a viewer (as per variety).## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, September 14, 2021: While fans around the world are waiting for Warner Bros' upcoming DC superhero movie "The Batman", the company's streamer platform HBO Max is developing a series about The Penguin that will be a spinoff of "The Batman" feature film. ## The series is in the early development with Lauren LeFranc is reportedly attached to write the script for the project. Colin Farrell, who plays the notorious supervillain in Robert Pattinson-led "The Batman", has also been approached to star in the spinoff series, according to variety. ## The show, which is yet to be confirmed, would supposedly delve into The Penguin aka Oswald Oz Cobblepot's rise to power in the Gotham criminal underworld. On the live-action side, the character has previously been played by actors like Burgess Meredith in the 1992 film "Batman Returns", Danny DeVito, and Robin Lord Taylor in the TV series "Gotham".## Interestingly, Penguin would be the second spinoff series from "The Batman" feature at HBO Max. The streamer is already working on police procedural spin-off series, set within the Gotham Police Department. It is part of WarnerMedia’s attempt to launch a new interconnected Batman universe across all of its platforms.## Meanwhile, "The Batman" feature film is scheduled to hit theaters in March 2022 after being delayed multiple times due to the covid-19 pandemic. It stars Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman along with Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Barry Keoghan, Jayme Lawson, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell. ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, August 9, 2021: Warner Bros. R-rated comic book adaptation, The Suicide Squad, has had a disappointing debut at the domestic box office. The James Gunn directorial collects only $26.5 million from 4,002 North American theatres, $3.5 million short from Warner Bros. prediction of $30 million domestic debut. ## There are many factors that went against the film's strong opening, including the growing concerns of the delta variant of the covid-19, the Warner Bros. film's hybrid release on HBO Max at no extra cost to subscribers, and its R-rating. The makers cost $185 million on film's making, and its low performance will surely make Warner Bros. rethink its simultaneous release strategy. ## At the international box office, 'The Suicide Squad ' added another $45.7 million from 70 overseas territories, bringing its global tally to $72.2 million. The standalone sequel to Suicide Squad (2016), opened with largely positive reviews from critics and audiences but it fell way short to reprise the success of the original movie. ## The original Suicide Squad had a massive $133.7 million opening weekend at the North American box office. Despite those eye-popping numbers, critics and audiences were left unimpressed by the film, though it ended up grossing $746 million worldwide. Of course, that film didn`t open during a deadly pandemic and wasn`t offered simultaneously on HBO Max. ## While it's still unclear how many HBO Max customers watched the film at home—and how many more were enticed to sign up for the streaming service - it is clear that the film's $185 million production budget is going to be tough to turn into the sort of huge moneymaker that comic-book movies were guaranteed to be prior to the pandemic. ## The Suicide Squad stars an ensemble cast including Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, and Peter Capaldi. In the film, a task force of convicts are sent to destroy evidence of the giant alien Starro.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Coming as an unprecedented development, the reputed production house, Warner Bros. on Thursday (December 3) has decided to stream all its 2021 movies on HBO Max, and at the same time the films play in theaters, starting with Wonder Women 1984 from December 25. The studio has taken this bold decision considering the pandemic situation which has largely affected entertainment industries worldwide. ## Though it could be a pathbreaking move for movies worldwide, movie lovers around the world have different opinions about this decision. While some people are happy with the decision of the production house in keeping the audience thrilled, some aren't happy with it and have criticized the move. ## Here are some of the reactions from the movie lovers regarding the decision of Warner Bros. -## HBO Max is a fantastic streaming service. Great original content and a wealth of movies. I think the dual premiere gives audiences the option to hit a theater if they want to see it on the big screen, or enjoy safe at home. Makes sense during COVID.— MJ Howson (@mj_howson) December 3, 2020 ## This should have happened months ago. We should already be streaming these movies in our homes. There was no reason to wait, the writing was always on the wall. #JustStreamIt— GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT (@GFRobot) December 3, 2020 ## As a former movie theater employee, this move is not "✨nice✨" and is a huge blow to the theater industry. Terrible and hurtful move.— Kyle Phillips (@pixarfan939) December 3, 2020 ## Dear Warner Brothers you do realize a vaccine for covid is coming you do realize you just killed movie theaters by doing this— Colin Horton Movie Reviews (@ColinHortonYT) December 3, 2020 ## Are you trying to kill movie theaters?! You know society is 110% lazy and will always just wait til it comes out on streaming services! Just release them in theaters traditionally! Why?! Cause the vaccine is on its way in January of next year!! Just let movie theaters live!!!— Fire Dust (@supermariof0521) December 3, 2020 ## Luckily we have theaters in TX that disinfect after every screening, and remain open. You have to pre-order your seats online. I would hate for the theaters to go away. I just wish they'd drop their prices from tickets to food.— Adam Campetti (@AdamCampetti) December 3, 2020 ## Not sure how I feel about this. Kind of a soft blow to movie theaters.— Jeff Seasons Total Landscaping (@starwart1) December 3, 2020 ## For all those who don't understand it's because of covid 19 these theaters can't allow open showings. Most in LA are STILL closed and postponing isn't gonna work. It's very very unfortunate for the industry but they can't just wish away covid and open theaters— || Kryll || (@KrillinDVillain) December 3, 2020 ## The pandemic isn’t gonna be over anytime soon. People act like it’s gonna be over sometime next year when that just isn’t the case. There’s no telling when it will be over even if it does end. Movie studios have to adapt to it, and this is how they’re doing it.— homo_keller (@japrice024_) December 3, 2020 ## @wbpictures, you are killing the movie going experience. I refuse to support this new release model. Theaters have suffered long enough. They, and these movies, deserve better than this. #SaveTheCinema— Ryan Havican (@Superfan44t) December 3, 2020 ## I can’t believe people are complaining. You can still go see it in theaters. HBOmax subscribers like myself pay $12 a month, almost the same cost as going to the theatre. The amount of people that will pirate it are equivalent to the extra home viewers. In the end,this is great.— Tim Hawkins 🇺🇸 (@TDH007) December 4, 2020 ## I don’t think ppl are being realistic. Several years ago it was known this would be the future. $15 a month gives you full access to an assortment of content and now exclusive videos. You save gas, 300% mark up snacks, and the risk of catching Covid. Seems like a win to me!— Rudeboi deli (@vividlyrell) December 4, 2020 ## Why on earth would I want to watch these films on the tv in my lounge?? That’s not what they were made for 😡— Mickeywaffle (@Mickeywaffle1) December 3, 2020 ## Soooo...what about the rest of the people in the world who don’t live in the US?? We can’t visit theatres either right now... #WarnerBros #warnerbros2021 #hbomax— Kal Norval (@kalleighnorval) December 4, 2020 ## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

The wait is finally over as Warner Bros' much-awaited and anticipated superhero movie, Wonder Woman 1984 starring Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman is arriving this December. The movie isn't skipping the theatrical option but is altering course. ## The Patty Jenkins directorial will be opening in the United States theatres on Christmas Day (December 25) but will also be made available to HBO Max subscribers free of charge for its first month, Warner Bros. said Thursday. The movie will also debut in international theatres on December 16 where HBO Max isn't available. ## Sharing the news with fans, lead star Gal Gadot took to Twitter and wrote, "IT'S TIME. We've all waited a long time for this one to come. I can't tell you how excited I am for all of you to see this movie. It wasn't an easy decision and we never thought we'd have to hold onto the release for such a long time but Covid rocked all of our worlds. We feel the movie has never been so relevant and we hope that it'll bring some joy, hope, and love to your hearts".## "Wonder Woman 1984 is a special one for me and I can only hope it'll be as special to you too. We've put our hearts and souls into it. So.. you can watch it IN THEATERS (they're doing an amazing job keeping it safe) and you can watch it on HBOMax from your homes. Sending you my love. Please keep safe and wear a mask. Happy holidays to all of us! Let the light shine in".## pic.twitter.com/t0iaXgVWXh— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) November 19, 2020 ## Warner Media CEO Jason Killar said that they will be measuring the performance of the film in "an entirely new way". "A little over four million fans in the U.S. enjoyed the first Wonder Woman movie on its opening day in 2017. Is it possible for that to happen again this Christmas with Wonder Woman 1984 between theatres and HBO Max?" Killar wrote Wednesday. "We are so excited to find out, doing everything in our power to provide the power of choice to fans".## Fans aren't too pleased with Warner Bros' strategy and have been protesting on social media against the film's release on HBO Max. Some are even miffed that countries without HBO Max are not taken into consideration. A fan asked Patty Jenkins, "Patty, do you know how long the movie will be at theaters? weeks? months? and what about countries that don't have HBO MAX and the cinemas are not opened?".## Responding to them she wrote, "Good question. We have plans to hold it in theaters for quite a long time, and hopefully long enough that it will still be there when theaters all over the world ARE open".## Apart from Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman 1984 will also star Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen in the key roles. It is produced by DC Films, Atlas Entertainment, The Stone Quarry, and Mad Ghost Productions. ## Stay tuned...