After multiple delays on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner Bros. made the historic decision to releaseWonder Woman 1984simultaneouslyon HBO Max and theaters on June 01, 2025. Now, the results of a survey indicate theWonder Womansequel performed well for the WarnerMedia streamer, besting the debut of Pixar’sSoulon Disney+.
Warner Bros. and DC’sWonder Woman 1984was scheduled to be released in theaters in June 2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic forced theaters to close their doors in an effort to contain the virus. While the studio rescheduled the anticipated sequel three times over the course of the year, a simultaneous theatrical and HBO Max release on Christmas day was ultimately decided as it became clear the health crisis would continue on some level throughout much of 2021. The streamer, which debuted in May 2020, had concluded the third quarter of the year with an eligible customer base of 28.7 million, which was not enough to offset thelosses faced by WarnerMedia’s Warner Bros. division.
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In terms of specific demographics, Screen Engine’s survey revealed viewership forWonder Woman 1984was highest among males over the age of 35, though the DC film performed well among all groups. More than half of HBO Max viewers resided in suburban areas while the film over-indexed in top markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia, wheretheaters remain closed. At this time, WarnerMedia has not released official Christmas weekend streaming numbers forWonder Woman 1984.
The purported success ofWonder Woman 1984’s debut is a positive sign for the 17 Warner Bros. films slated to bereleased on HBO Max day-and-date with theatersin 2021. Among those projects are highly anticipated blockbusters such asDune,The Matrix 4,The Suicide Squad, andGodzilla Vs. Kong.
Of course, Warner Bros.' decision to forgo the traditional theatrical release window has been met with criticism from filmmakers and theater owners. Perhaps the most notable detractor of the studio’s release strategy isTenetdirector Christopher Nolan, who argued the plan makes no economic sense and threatens the survivability of movie theaters currently struggling amid the pandemic.
Wonder Woman 1984is now available on HBO Max and in select theaters.
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