Denis Villeneuve Rebukes WB/HBO Max Decision & Says Studio “Might Have Just Killed The ‘Dune’ Franchise”

WarnerMedia has been getting an earful from creatives such as Christopher Nolan, Patty Jenkins, and Denis Villeneuve all voicing their concerns about the company releasing their entire 2021 slate of films on HBO Max with a new day-and-date model that certainly will place the streaming service in direct competition with traditional theaters and their ability to earn box office dollars.

When the news that HBO Max was going to be the day-and-date home for all of Warner Bros.’ major 2021 releases, including the highly-anticipated “Dune,” the industry was shaken. And it didn’t take long at all for Legendary, the co-financiers and co-producers of “Dune,” to come forward with a legal challenge.

Over the past couple of weeks, since the announcement that WarnerMedia is releasing all of the 2021 WB films on HBO Max the same day as in theaters, it appears that almost every filmmaker that has publicly spoken about the move has disagreed with the idea of collapsing the theatrical window. And those that understand the decision are still upset that WarnerMedia didn’t warn filmmakers before the announcement.

Dune producers and director Denis Villeneuve are not happy with Warner Bros’ decision to move the movie to HBO Max for streaming in October 2021, foregoing a major wide release.

Though the recent deal between Warner Bros. and HBO Max that sends the studio’s entire 2021 film lineup to the streaming service day-and-date with theaters doesn’t officially begin until January with “The Little Things,” many see “Wonder Woman 1984” as the test case for the new paradigm.

Steven Soderbergh has been a filmmaker that has consistently pushed the boundaries of whatever medium he’s working in. On the small screen, he’s pushed the limits of TV and on streaming platforms with projects like “Wireless” and “Mosaic.” In film, he’s tested new ways of filming things (with smaller cameras and even smartphones), as well as marketing films (taking on the role of de facto marketer for “Logan Lucky,” for example.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterCasey Bloys is exploring a whole new range of programming options as he takes the creative reins at HBO Max.Bloys has been at the helm of HBO programming for a few years now, but was promoted to chief content officer of HBO and HBO Max back in August.

Timothée Chalamet closed off his Saturday Night Live hosting debut by donning a Legendary-brand hoodie during the sketch show’s curtain call.

Also Read: 'Dune' Director Denis Villeneuve Says HBO Max Deal Shows Warner Bros Has 'No Love for Cinema'WME represents “The Little Things,” with Denzel Washington and the first film on WB’s 2021 release schedule, and it also represents other high profile talent such as Gal Gadot for “Wonder Woman 1984,” Hugh Jackman for “Reminiscence,” Millie Bobby Brown for “Godzilla vs.

Dune stars Jason Momoa and Josh Brolin have voiced their support for director Denis Villeneuve.The actors took to social media to support the incendiary letter written by the filmmaker in response to Warner Bros’ decision to release the film on HBO Max and in cinemas on the same day.Momoa and Brolin reposted Villeneuve’s essay on Instagram, adding the comment: “Long live the theater experience!”A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies)In his letter, Villeneuve said there was “absolutely no

Will Tizard ContributorFilmmakers all use the same tools, more or less, but do so with endlessly varied methods, says cinematographer Roger Deakins.

We’ve already heard from a number of filmmakers about the recent WB/HBO Max move, where more than a dozen high-profile Warner Bros. films will be debuting on the same date in theaters and on HBO Max in 2021.

Quebecois director Denis Villeneuve found out about Warner Bros.’ decision to release their entire 2021 slate digitally and theatrically at the same time as everyone else. Now, the “Dune” filmmaker is slamming the studio’s announcement, calling it a franchise killer and promotional tactic for their U.S. streaming service.

Judd Apatow is calling out Warner Bros.

Quebecois director Denis Villeneuve found out about Warner Bros.’ decision to release their entire 2021 slate digitally and theatrically at the same time as everyone else. Now, the “Dune” filmmaker is slamming the studio’s announcement, calling it a franchise killer and promotional tactic for their U.S. streaming service.

Denis Villeneuve, the director of the upcoming Dune remake, is not happy that Warner Bros. plans on releasing his movie on HBO Max on the same day as the theatrical release.

industry-shaking move to put its 2021 slate on HBO Max day-and-date with theaters.Villeneuve, in an op-ed written for Variety, said he only learned about the fate of his film by reading the news, and that he had agreed to push “Dune” back almost a year, from winter 2020 to October 2021. He says a movie of this scope can’t hope to be financially viable and will succumb to piracy.“With this decision, AT&T has hijacked one of the most respectable and important studios in film history.

Denis Villeneuve I learned in the news that Warner Bros. has decided to release “Dune” on HBO Max at the same time as our theatrical release, using prominent images from our movie to promote their streaming service.

Cynthia Littleton Business EditorIt’s an enormous bet that threatens to alienate Hollywood’s A-list, and it may well make or break HBO Max in the coming year.