In this current age of Netflix making some very visible decisions demonstrating its understanding of the viewers, many other streamers have begun taking a look at their own standard operating procedure and wondering if it’s really the most sustainable thing. Thanks to the reception of Netflix’s creative business decisions as of late, platforms like HBO Max now wonder if going all-in on streaming is really the best option, andBatgirlmay be the latest example.
RELATED:JK Simmons Explains How Commissioner Gordon Is Different In Batgirl
One such service is HBO Max, which appears ready to move things around in favor of the shifting entertainment climate. WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar, before exiting the companyduring the merger with Discovery, originally wanted to focus more on building up the streaming platform, even if it meant neglecting theatrical releases. But now with things shaking up and a new boss in town, there may be some changes inbound. Perhaps the most notable one involves the possibility of shifting the highly-anticipatedBatgirlmovie from streaming-only to an actual theatrical premiere, according to Matthew Belloni.
While the move isn’t confirmed, it seems as though current Warner Bros. Pictures chairman Toby Emmerich may want to put a little more backing behindBatgirl, particularly given the company’s new leadership. The merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, which will result in the combination ofHBO Max and Discovery Plus into one service, appears to potentially light the way for some new ideas under the newly consolidated leadership of Discovery’s David Zaslav. With shifting priorities,Batgirlhas a real shot to break out in theaters, unlike Pixar’s unfortunately stuntedTurning Red, which many argue missed its full potential by only appearing on Disney Plus.
Batgirlalready has a lot of buzz surrounding its production, from a new comics-accurate costume to iconicBatmanactor Michael Keaton himself appearing opposite star Leslie Grace. But a theatrical release could jet that hype up into a whole new level. The character of Batgirl isn’t exactly obscure by any means, but she’s never had a shot at real mainstream appeal like she does now. If the movie stays on HBO Max, that shot stays pretty diminished. A solid theater showing, however, will offer the chance at some genuine stardom.
However things turn out,Batgirllooks like it’s shaping up to be a success by whichever metric best fits its release. On HBO Max, odds are it will bring in some exceptional viewing numbers, particularly with the presence of Keaton. A premiere in theaters to a much wider audience can only expand that notion. Here’s hoping Warner Bros. Discovery does what’s best for the film.
Batgirlis currently set to premiere on HBO Max in 2022. A theatrical release has not yet been confirmed.
