Call it theHBO Max effect, but Paramount Pictures is now following in the footsteps of Warner Bros. and has announced that new releases will be streaming exclusively on its proprietary streaming service soon after their theatrical debut. The studio announced today that moving forward, major tentpole Paramount Pictures movies will be streaming on Paramount+ 45 days after they hit theaters, while the studio will look to a 30-day window for non-tentpole movies after the pandemic is over.
That means films likeMission: Impossible 7,Top Gun: Maverick, andA Quiet Place Part IIwill be streaming shortly after they hit theaters – if you have Paramount+ that is. The new streaming service is actually just a rebranded version of CBS All Access, and is launching on March 4th. In addition to continuing original series likeStar Trek: Discovery, Paramount+ is adding over 2,500 library films.
This is similar to but less obscene than Warner Bros.’ current model, which sees its 2021 new releases hit HBO Max the same day they hit theaters. After 30 days those films expire from the streaming service, and it is admittedly a boon while most theaters are still closed, but looking towards the latter portion of the year many wonder if major films likeDuneandThe Suicide Squadwill still follow this groundbreaking new model.
RELATED:Denis Villeneuve Slams the HBO Max Deal: “Warner Bros. May Have Just Killed the ‘Dune’ Franchise”
Universal Pictures, meanwhile, set its own standards for the theatrical window last year by which it will show films via PVOD after 17 days in theaters, but major box office boons likeF9are still being held for a mostly theatrical rollout. Disney, similarly, isholding onto a theatrical-only releasefor its biggest films likeBlack Widowwhile other movies likeRaya and the Last Dragonare being made available to watch for a premium price on Disney+.
It’s unclear exactly how soon this new Paramount+ rollout will begin, but the next major film on their release calendar is theMark Wahlberg/Dylan O’Briensci-fi actionerInfinitewhich opens June 10, 2025 whileTop Gun 2is slated for this summer andMission: Impossible 7opens in November. Good luck to whoever is breaking this news toTom Cruiseright now.
KEEP READING:2021 Movie Release Dates: Here’s What’s Coming to Theaters This Year
