Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures are reportedly nearing a deal that will resolve the dispute over the announcement of all Warners titles going to HBO Max day-and-date in 2021. An announcement made without consultation with any of its producing partners.
Legendary co-financed and co-produced two of the three biggest and mostly costly films of the year’s slate – “Godzilla vs. Kong” due in May, and “Dune” due in October. Legendary were understandably upset by the announcement and has previously teased potentially pursuing legal action.
Now, THR says an agreement over the release of “Godzilla vs. Kong” is all but imminent. With the deal, the movie will keep its May 21 release date in theaters, including IMAX, as well as HBO Max. Legendary will release the film in China.
If that’s the case, it’s likely Legendary is getting financially compensation for their spending on the film – a financial settlement likely well above $200 million. Negotiations over “Dune” are reportedly still ongoing.
“Dune” director Denis Villeneuve has been adamant about an exclusive theatrical run, as has filmmaker Lana Wachowski who helmed Warners’ third big major blockbuster for 2021 – the fourth “The Matrix” film.
