Competing streaming services are duking it out for the rights to the upcoming MonsterVerse movie Godzilla vs. Kong.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix made a $200 million offer for the rights to Godzilla vs. Kong. Reportedly, Warner Bros. — the current distributor of the film — is opting to instead work on an offer to its streaming service HBO Max. This would include a theatrical release component reminiscent of the release Wonder Woman 1984 is receiving.
A Warner Bros. spokesperson responded to the rumor by saying, "We plan to release Godzilla vs. Kong theatrically next year as scheduled."
Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continuing to challenge movie theaters, numerous movies have eschewed original theatrical release plans and instead opted for streaming launches. Some examples of this phenomenon have included Artemis Fowl, My Spy, Greyhound and the upcoming Pixar movie Soul.
As the title suggests, Godzilla vs. Kong will see the two classic monsters square off. Public marketing has not yet begun, though a handful of toys have leaked, giving fans a glimpse at what Kong and Godzilla will look like in the film. Additionally, leaked merchandise has also revealed the possible presence of another fan-favorite Kaiju in the film.
Directed by Adam Wingard and written by Eric Pearson and Max Borenstein, Godzilla vs. Kong stars Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown, Julian Dennison, Kyle Chandler, Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry. The film arrives in theaters May 21, 2021.
Source:Â The Hollywood Reporter