In the beginning of December, “Warner Brothers” announced the long awaited “Wonder Woman 1984” that would release simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. After this decision was made, the movie production company announced that their next 17 movies would also be released in the same manner. Not long after that, Christopher Nolan, one of the most successful directors, producers, and screenwriters of current times, and current employee of “Warner Brothers,” took to the internet to share his outrage about the new deal. So, what does this mean for the future of movies? Did “Warner Brothers” deserve the wrath of Christopher Nolan?
As movie theaters operate at lower capacities and in some states, including Pennsylvania, are closed, “Warner Brothers” made the call to make their next year of movies corona friendly. In terms of the pandemic, this was definitely a good call, but along with many other pandemic related closings that have occurred in the past several months, it is going to have large consequences for many people. Christopher Nolan told “NPR” during an interview that this was “a sign of grave danger” for those in the movie industry. He argues that many actors and directors have worked tirelessly on projects very close to their hearts, and that these projects are meant to be experienced in theaters. Movies are made to tell a story to as many people as possible, to reach as large of an audience as possible.
Nothing can replace the excitement of settling into the comfy movie theater recliners with candy and popcorn for the sequel of your favorite film, or for the newest superhero action movie. As “Warner Brothers” is one of the largest movie production companies, many others in the industry are looking to team up with streaming services, and follow in the footsteps of one of the industry leaders. If most movie production companies decide to premier movies through streaming services for the next several months, this could ultimately lead to the downfall of movie theaters across the country. It is already hard enough for theaters to keep their doors open, but this new deal could be the end of going out to see a movie. On a rainy summer day, or a cold winter Sunday, the movie theater is arguably the best place to be, one can only hope we don’t lose this big screen experience forever.