Zack Snyder’s Justice League: The Breaking Point for HBO Max
The Justice League is not just a movie any more – it will be a miniseries.
Why will Zack Snyder’s Justice League become the most important streaming movie in 2021? It’s not because of its inherent quality, but because of the dire circumstances surrounding HBO Max’s launch – a launch that has gone over like a turd in the wind. The streaming giant found itself costing more and offering less than Netflix, with delayed big draw originals due to the pandemic, unavailable current seasons, and disappointing curated collections from other streaming services.
Most importantly, HBO Max has failed to strike a deal to be available on the most popular streaming platforms. This failure means that all their other mishaps are merely irrelevant. For many of their potential subscribers, the platform is blocked and this spells trouble for their future growth and sustainability.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a potential savior, even if it now exists in a streaming format rather than a theatrical movie. It could be filmed remotely, with small original shoots padding scenes around existing content, and a significant amount of effects work being done remotely. But the window for this rescue is small. They must strike a deal with Roku and Fire before the release, or the impact will be minimal.
In online communities consisting of Zack Snyder fanboys, the collective outrage over another so-so film will be deafening. The cumulative noise from their frustration and regret is formidable and could shatter glass – an unintentional but undeniable outcome. This breakage could be a major factor in the film's success and draw attention, leading to high viewership and a surge in the platform’s popularity.
Ultimately, the success of Zack Snyder’s Justice League is not about the content, but about what it represents for HBO Max. This miniseries could be the spark that ignites a much-needed change for the platform, or it could be the final nail in the coffin if HBO Max doesn’t address their current issues.