Los Angeles United States.
Hollywood blocked premiere. If life were still analog, celluloid towers and towers would cram their warehouses waiting for the time to reach theaters.
Now the reality is digital, but the problem is the same: the pandemic has forced the vast majority of blockbusters in 2020 to be postponed, which will have to find its niche in a 2021 long awaited by moviegoers.
The latest James Bond adventure postponed since last spring, the fourth installment of “Matrix“Lebron James’ debut in the sequel to the film”Space Jam“, The updated version of” Dune “and the return of Wes Anderson are just some of the premieres planned for the new year, a season that was born under great uncertainty and in which no one knows when it will be safe to fill the cinemas again.
Will we see the new “West Side Story” in theaters or in our homes? The revision of the legendary musical could have ensured its projection on the big screen, as it will not be released until next Christmas, but the path is not as clear for “James Bond: No Time To Die“(April),”Black Widow“(Mayo)”Fast and furious 9“(May) or”Jurassic World: Dominion“(June).
To shed some light on this maze, Warner Bros. was the fastest studio to make a move, throughout the year 2021 and to coronavirus armistice all his films will be released simultaneously in cinemas and in “streaming“A practically deadly blow for theaters with which he made sure that he will release his films.
“Stream”, ally of studios and the enemy of cinemas
So far no studio, except Netflix, has dared to launch a blockbuster in cinemas and the internet. The famous “distribution window” in which the bands waited three months before reaching the domestic market was scrupulously respected. But on the last day of Christmas everything changed: Disney and Pixar launched directly from the Disney + platform “Soul“One of the animated films of the year and Warner Bros. bring”The Wonderful Woman 1984„An HBO Max.
The strategy of the first was punctual, that of the second was the inauguration of the method by which HBO Max will host all the studio’s films in 2021: “Godzilla Vs. Kong‘ “In the Heights‘ “Space Jam: A new legacy‘ “The Suicide Team‘ “Dune” and “Matrix 4“, among others.
On the same day they entered the cinemas (several open), they will be available at streaming service“For 30 days. The funny thing is that, already started in 2021, HBO Max is still an exclusively American product that is scheduled to open in Europe and Latin America throughout the year, but a huge promotion has already been guaranteed to steal a market from Netflix.
On the other side of the coin is Disney. The entertainment giant has been less drastic and continues to bet heavily on cinemas. At this time just released “Mulan” and Soul“Through Disney +. And the first in exchange for $ 30 not negligible as an additional fee.
His next film, “Raya and the last dragon“Will follow the pattern”Mulan“In March and from there … we’ll see. For now, Marvel fans will see.”Black Widow (May) and “eternal“(November) at the cinema, according to the company’s plans. Also, Pixar’s visit to the Italian Riviera with”Luca“(June) and” Encanto “‘s trip to Colombia (November) retains its exclusive big screen premiere. Just like” Jungle Cruise “(July) Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
Historical remakes and saga
Platforms yes, platforms no, Hollywood obsession because he gave new life to his classics will remain intact. In 2021, a new version of “Western story“Under the leadership of Steven Spielberg and will not be the only jewel of the seventh art to be renewed.
After “2049. Blade Runner“Denis Villeneuve will return to science fiction classics with a new” Dune “with the best actors in Hollywood today, Timothée Chamalet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem and Charlotte Rampling.
Even Tom Cruise will return to “Top Gun“More than 30 years since the premiere with a sequel to the quintessential eighties film.
And apart from the “remakes” there will still be room for sequels to the saga like “Ghostbusters “,” Jurassic World “,” Fast and Furious “,” Matrix “,” Minions “,”James Link” and “tomb Raider“.
Beyond the commercial circuit, in February will be the turn Frances McDormand with “Nomadland“, a film that praised critics who have already seen it and who sounds like an Oscar favorite.
“ Kings ManHe will arrive in March, while there is still no time to re-enter Wes Anderson’s picturesque universes with “The French Dispatch”, although it will probably be before the “biopic” about Elvis Presley Baz Luhrmann takes center stage in the fall.
When it seems clear, how not yet.