Warner Bros. & Legendary Near Settlement For Godzilla vs. Kong’s HBO Max Release

It looks as of Warner Bros. will clear the hurdle to keep Godzilla vs. Kong on their HBO Max release plans, as a settlement with Legendary is close. As previously reported, Legendary Entertainment was not happy with Warner’s announcement that their full 2021 slate — including Legendary’s Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong — will release day-and-date in theaters and on HBO Max, with the latter being the case for 31 days. Godzilla vs. Kong in particular was an issue because Warner Bros. reportedly blocked an offer from Netflix in November for the kaiju smashup that would have been over $225 million.

Those situations are close to being resolved according to Deadline, who report that the two sides are nearing a deal that will keep the film on Warner Bros.’ current strategy. A settlement over Dune is still being worked out between the two parties.

The site adds that WarnerMedia has been in “countless talks” with agents in order to make sure that talent is appropriately compensated following the shift to the hybrid HBO Max/theatrical schedule. The studio settled with Patty Jenkins, Kristen Wiig and Gal Gadot for Wonder Woman 1984 based on how the film would do in a break-even situation, and those are the negotiations currently ongoing with the cast of Dune although director Denis Villeneuve still wants the film kept as a theatrical release as well.

Godzilla vs. Kong is currently set for a May 21st release, while Dune is scheduled for October 1st.