As already dictated by Warner Media’s new 45-day policy that will make its theatrical releases reach HBO just a month and a half after having landed on the big screen.
In this way, with all the implications that it brings, it will be on April 18 when users will be able to enjoy what is considered the first big box office success of this year.
And it is that perhaps it goes without saying that since its premiere in theaters, on March 4, The Batman has remained in the conversation of lovers of comics and their adaptations, leaving millions of dollars at the box office for the production house.
The figures are clear. During the first weekend of release in 74 countries, the film managed to gross 120 million dollars, with more than 128.5 million in the United States the previous week.
Thus, in just one week, The Batman was able to outgrow its production budget, which was estimated at nearly $200 million.
The Batman comes to HBO: What does it imply?
Additionally, in just three days The Batman became Warner’s biggest hit in the post-pandemic era with a total of 735.2 million dollars accumulated, considered its premiere in Asia and the rest of the world.
The truth is that the launch of the film on HBO Max is more than just good news for subscribers of the streaming service.
It’s actually the first step in WarnerMedia’s plans for The Batman universe. For now, there are already two spin-offs in the works (one about the evolution of The Penguin and another about various inmates of Arkham Asylum), while considering the good results of The Batman, much has been said about a sequel, even though without confirmation, it sounds loud.
This is just the beginning. And it is that in reality, The Batman is the first film that puts WarnerMedia’s plan around HBO Max to the test, which implies a change in the business perspective that is to be considered.
Before, the firm first enjoyed the box office impact in theaters, then capitalized on its premieres with home video options and premium services, to later bet on television and streaming.
Now, streaming seems to be a priority, at least for Warner, who makes clear his intentions to capitalize on HBO Max with a plan that differs from what is done by other services such as Disney +, which favors exclusive premieres before a significant reduction for its big theatrical releases.
The arrival of The Batman streaming 45 days after its theatrical release will mark a before and after and only time will tell how much WarnerMedia can win or not with such a strategy around such media-centric films as this one.