Dune HBO Max Release In Question After New Lawsuit Details Emerge

Despite HBO Max’s game-changing announcement a few weeks back, more changes could be on the horizon for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune now that Legendary Entertainment is challenging WB’s plans to launch a hybrid theatrical HBO Max release model for its 2021 film slate.

As first reported by Deadline,

“Legendary is in a big fight that might result in lawsuits after it financed 75% of tentpoles Dune and Godzilla Vs. Kong and was completely blindsided. Rumors have the solution to that breach being to preserve Dune as a traditional theatrical to preserve its franchise potential and since its October 1 release date falls well after the estimated late spring date when Covid vaccines should achieve herd immunity. Godzilla Vs. Kong might stay an HBO Max hybrid in its May 21 slot, but only if Warner Bros. makes a deal with Legendary that uses as a base the $250 million value established when the film was shopped earlier to Netflix.”

Villeneuve said when he heard about Warner Bros.’ decision to move Dune to HBO Max.

“As of this moment, it sounds as if Legendary is willing to sacrifice Godzilla vs. Kong to HBO Max if Dune is preserved for theaters.

“There is absolutely no love for cinema, nor for the audience here,”

Despite the fact Legendary financed both Dune and Godzilla V Kong, it looks as they are fine letting the latter on HBO Max while fighting for Dune. While a decision as to what to do with either film has yet to be sorted out, both Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong are scheduled for a hybrid release on October 1, 2021, and May 21, 2021, respectively.


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About David Gonzalez 3061 Articles
David Gonzalez is the founder and chief film critic of Reel Talk Inc. and host of the Reel Chronicles and Chop Talk (80s horror) podcasts. As a Cuban American independent film critic, David writes fair and diverse criticism covering movies of all genres and spotlighting minority voices through Reel Talk. David has covered and reviewed films at Tribeca, TIFF, NYFF, Sundance, SXSW, and several other film festivals. He is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-Approved Critic and a member of the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA), New York Film Critics Online, Hollywood Film Critics Association, and the North American Film Critic Association. As an avid film collector and awards watcher, David's finger is always on the industry's pulse. David informs and educates with knowledgeable and exciting content and has become a trusted resource for readers and listeners alike. Email him at david@reeltalkinc.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @reeltalkinc.

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