WarnerMedia streaming service has become very popular, and the platform is making moves to compete with industry leaders. Aside from Max Originals, the service continues acquiring classic titles in addition to content from the channel partner, HBO.
When HBO Max debuted, the platform relied on acquired content rather than original programming. That continued to change as more Max Originals were released over the remaining months of 2020, including notable TV titles Superintelligence. While the catalog continues to expand, much of the planned content has been recently overshadowed by a plan stemming from changing viewership patterns.
Because of delays and shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic, Warner Bros. made a shocking decision to allow the studios' entire schedule of Mortal Kombat. To get an idea of what's currently intended to debut in 2021 through HBO Max, here's a breakdown of movies and TV titles.
Friends Reunion Special - May 27
Before HBO Max even launched, the service was advertising the development of a unscripted Friends reunion features all six returning stars including appearances by names like Reese Witherspoon, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and David Beckham. Aside from revisiting the iconic set, the group perform a script read while providing behind-the-scenes trivia.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - June 4 (WB)
Also referred to as The Conjuring 3, the horror movie set to release on HBO Max and theaters is bringing back Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga in their roles as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Marking the eighth installment in The Conjuring Universe, the new film will focus on an eerie case based on the murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson from 1981. Ruairi O'Connor and Ronnie Gene Blevins also have major roles in the horror movie as Arne and Bruno Sauls, respectively.
In the Heights - June 11 (WB)
Based on the stage musical of the same name by In the Heights is set to release on both HBO Max and theaters in mid-June. The story focuses on the Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City, particularly bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos). The stellar cast consists of names like Corey Hawkins, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco, Jimmy Smits, and Marc Anthony. Many of the cast will be recognizable to fans of Hamilton.
Space Jam: A New Legacy - July 16 (WB)
The highly anticipated sequel to 1996's rogue AI villain (Don Cheadle). To escape, James must lead Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes in a victory over the AI's digitized basketball team. Fellow basketball players set to appear includes Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Diana Taurasi, and Nneka Ogwumike. Footage from the Space Jam sequel also revealed an abundance of cameos from WB characters.
Gossip Girl - July 2021
Following in the footsteps of the popular series that aired on The CW from 2007 to 2012, HBO Max's Gossip Girls reboot will feature some changes, in addition to more adult content. Kristen Bell will reprise her role as the narrator with a cast that includes Emily Alyn Lind, Whitney Peak, Eli Brown, Johnathan Fernandez, Tavi Gevinson, and Thomas Doherty. The new Gossip Girl reboot is already being praised for its diverse and LGBTQ+-inclusive cast of characters.
The Suicide Squad - August 6 (WB)
While taking a break from the MCU, James Gunn moved over to WB to develop King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Peacemaker (John Cena), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), Savant (Michael Rooker) and Thinker (Peter Capaldi). A spinoff series based on Cena's Peacemaker is already in the works at HBO Max with a 2022 release.
Reminiscence - August 20 (WB)
Lisa Joy is making her directorial debut with Reminiscence, a sci-fi thriller featuring Hugh Jackman in the lead role. The actor will play Nicolas "Nick" Bannister, a veteran who lives in Miami, Florida during the near-future with disastrous rising sea levels. As part of his job, he gives clients an opportunity to relive memories, which becomes troublesome when he learns the truth about a woman he greatly cares for. The rest of the case in Reminiscence includes Rebecca Ferguson, Thandiwe Newton, Daniel Wu, and Cliff Curtis.
Malignant - September 10 (WB)
After various delays, James Wan's horror movie Malignant's plot other than the fact the studio is billing it as "Wan’s return to his roots with this new original horror thriller." Images from the filmmaker have teased an ominous gloved hand holding a gold dagger, but other than that, the genre-bending movie remains a mystery. However, the cast is highlighted by Annabelle Wallis, Jake Abel, George Young, Jacqueline McKenzie, and Mckenna Grace.
The Many Saints of Newark - September 24 (WB)
The long-awaited prequel film to The Sopranos, titled young version of Tony Soprano, who was originally played by his late father, James. Other cast include Alessandro Nivola, Leslie Odom Jr., Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, John Magaro, Ray Liotta, and Vera Farmiga.
Dune - October 1 (WB)
Despite pushback from director Denis Villeneuve regarding a simultaneous on HBO Max and theaters, Dune is still set to release in this way in the fall of 2021. Based on the first half of the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, the story follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), a gifted young man tasked with traveling across the dangerous planet of Arrakis to protect his family's future. Rebecca Ferguson and Oscar Isaac play Paul's parents with a cast highlighted by Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, and Jason Momoa.
