With several studios resorting to digital releases in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Warner Bros. is staying committed to the cinematic experience.
On Wednesday, Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter revealing that the studio intends on releasing Christopher Nolan's Tenet in theaters this summer.
"We are committed to—and are excited about—releasing Tenet in theaters this summer or whenever theaters reopen," Sarnoff said. She went on to explain that the studio hopes that the move will help revitalize movie theaters.
"We remain supportive of the theatrical experience and our exhibition partners, and are confident that our tentpole titles, including Tenet and Wonder Woman 1984, are exactly the type of films that will have people eager to return to theaters," Sarnoff added.
This comes after the CEO of WarnerMedia, John Stankey, told investors that the company will re-evaluate its theatrical model following the pandemic.
"This experience will change many things, including customer behaviors and expectations. We're evaluating our product distribution strategy, re-looking at volumes and the required support levels we need in a down economy," Stankey said during a recent call. "We're rethinking our theatrical model and looking for ways to accelerate efforts that are consistent with the rapid changes in consumer behavior from the pandemic. Now our focus is on defining and leveraging the new normal across all of our operations."
Stankey's comments led some to believe that the company will be abandoning theatrical releases altogether. He later claimed that his comments were taken out of context. Stankey said that he was referring to the movies like Scoob!, which are family-oriented films that can thrive via a digital release. His comments don't change Warner Bros.' commitment to theatrical releases.
Hollywood is hoping that theaters are able to open before late June, which would be just in time for moviegoers to see potential summer blockbusters like Disney's Mulan on June 24, and Tenet on July 17.
