'Wonder Woman 1984' Heading To HBO Max, Theaters On Dec. 25

Warner Bros. has taken the bold decision to release the highly anticipated movie “Wonder Woman 1984” simultaneously on the big screen and HBO Max on Dec. 25.

The production giant decided to change its course due to a surge in the COVID-19 infections in the U.S., The Hollywood Reporter has learned. According to WB, the film will open in whichever cinemas remain open Christmas Day as well as stream on HBO Max that day.

Internationally, where HBO Max is still unavailable, the film will open on Dec. 16.

Speaking further about the matter, Ann Sarnoff, CEO of WarnerMedia Studios, revealed that the production company “had to be innovative” while running its business amid the global health crisis. Sarnoff also stated that the management is working closely with its partners in making sure people get to see the film on the big screen where “theaters are open.”

“As we navigate these unprecedented times, we’ve had to be innovative in keeping our businesses moving forward while continuing to super-serve our fans. This is an amazing film that really comes to life on the big screen and, working with our partners in the exhibition community, we will provide that option to consumers in the U.S. where theaters are open,” THR quoted Sarnoff, as saying.

Sarnoff concluded her statement by saying that the movie also will be available for streaming on HBO Max.

“We realize that a lot of consumers can’t go back to the movies due to the pandemic, so we also want to give them the option to see ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ via our HBO Max platform,” Sarnoff said.

The announcement comes a few weeks after Sarnoff explained that the release of “Wonder Woman 1984” will depend on how the U.S. is going to manage the COVID-19 situation.

Meanwhile, the film's director, Patty Jenkins, urged fans on social media to see the movie in theaters “where it is made safe to do so,” and on streaming services when cinemas are still closed due to the life-threatening disease.

“The time has come . At some point, you have to choose to share any love and joy you have to give, over everything else. We love our movie as we love our fans, so we truly hope that our film brings a little bit of joy and reprieve to all of you this holiday season. Watch it in theaters, where it is made safe to do so (check out the great work theaters have done to make it so!) And available in the safety of your home on HBO Max where it is not. Happy holidays to all of you. We hope you enjoy our film as much as we enjoyed making it,” Jenkins wrote on Twitter.

The movie tells the story of Diana Prince or Wonder Woman (played by Gal Gadot) squaring off against Maxwell Lord (played by Pedro Pascal) and the Cheetah (portrayed by Kristen Wiig), a villainess who possesses superhuman strength.

“Wonder Woman 1984 ” also stars Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright in pivotal roles.