HBO Max is having an extremely busy 2021 with a jam-packed schedule full of new movie and TV show releases. After launching in May 2020, the 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 premium 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 Raised By Wolves and The Flight Attendant. As for movies, HBO Max presented heavy-hitters such as An American Pickle, Unpregnant, The Witches, and 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 2021 movies to release on HBO Max at the same time they hit theaters. The WB films will be available to HBO Max subscribers for one month after the title drops, which was first carried out by Wonder Woman 1984. In the months that followed, HBO Max subscibers were given access to major titles like Oscar winner, Judas and the Black Messiah, Zack Snyder's Justice League, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Mortal Kombat. To get an idea of what's currently intended to debut in 2021 through HBO Max, here's a breakdown of upcoming movies and TV titles.
Friends Reunion Special - May 27
Before HBO Max even launched, the service was advertising the development of a Friends reunion special tentatively named "The One Where They Got Back Together." Originally planned to release in May 2020, the unscripted special ended up getting delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The original cast and writers from the beloved sitcom are set to film the reunion in March 2021, and it's hitting the stream just months later. The 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 upcoming 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 Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes, 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 members will be recognizable to fans of Hamilton.
Space Jam: A New Legacy - July 16 (WB)
The highly anticipated sequel to 1996's Space Jam is hitting HBO Max and theaters this summer. Space Jam: A New Legacy shifts focus from Michael Jordan to LeBron James when the star basketball player and his young son, Dom (Cedric Joe), get trapped into digital space by a 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 Girl is serving as a soft reboot and sequel. It takes place eight years after the original, following a new group of Manhattan private school teens that are being watched by "Gossip Girl." With social media much more prominent than it was nearly a decade ago, the 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 The Suicide Squad, a DCEU installment that serves as a soft reboot and standalone sequel to 2016's Suicide Squad. New and old members of the antihero team are sent to a South American island to destroy a Nazi-era prison/lab known as Jotunheim. Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, Joel Kinnaman, and Viola Davis are reprising their roles, but the newcomers are already stealing the spotlight. New characters include 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 will finally make its simultaneous debut in theaters and HBO Max. Despite being ready for release, not much is known about 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 The Many Saints of Newark, will be heading to HBO Max this fall while running in theaters. Set in the '60s and '70s, the movie will center on the tension in Newark, New Jersey between the Italian-American and African-American communities. Michael Gandolfini is notably playing a young version of Tony Soprano, who was originally played by his late father, James. Other cast members 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.
Cry Macho - October 22 (WB)
Clint Eastwood's upcoming film, Cry Macho, is scheduled to release this fall after being left without a release date heading into 2021. Not only is Eastwood directing the neo-Western drama, he will also be starring as the lead character. Cry Macho follows a former rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder who is hired for a tough job in the late '70s. At the request of an ex-boss, Eastwood's character must drive his boss' young son home, driving across Mexico back to Texas. On the journey, the man has a chance to confront his own past while teaching the boy a few life lessons. Written by Nick Schenk and N. Richard Nash, the movie will also star Eduardo Minett, Dwight Yoakam, Natalia Traven, and Horacio Garcia Rojas.
King Richard - November 19 (WB)
WB's upcoming biographical film, King Richard, is set to focus on Richard Williams, the father of star tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. Richard, portrayed by Will Smith in the project directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, will be seen coaching his daughters while detailing the family's lives. Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton will be playing Venus and Serena, respectively, in a cast that also includes Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, and Dylan McDermott.
The Matrix 4 - December 22 (WB)
After co-creating the first three installments of the franchise, Lana Wachowski is back at the helm for The Matrix 4. Set to release on HBO Max and theaters at the end of 2021, not much has been revealed about the plot in the Matrix sequel just yet. That said, it will feature returning cast members like Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lambert Wilson, and Daniel Bernhardt in their original franchise roles. As for newcomers, the untitled fourth Matrix film welcomes names like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Priyanka Chopra, Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Henwick, and Jonathan Groff.
No Sudden Move - TBA
No Sudden Move is another major Max Original movie expected to arrive in 2021. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the crime thriller is set in 1955 as a group of small-time criminals from Detroit attempt to steal a specific document before falling into a trap. The stellar cast is highlighted by names like Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, David Harbour, Amy Seimetz, Jon Hamm, Ray Liotta, Kieran Culkin, and Brendan Fraser. Filming wrapped in late 2020 after production delays, but it's still on track to release soon.
The Prince - TBA
HBO Max is gearing up to premiere another adult animated satire titled The Prince. The political comedy series developed by Gary Janetti will follow six-year-old Prince George as he makes life difficult for his royal family. Janetti is voicing the titular character with a cast that also includes Orlando Bloom, Condola Rashād, Alan Cumming, Iwan Rheon, Sophie Turner, and Dan Stevens. Originally set to debut in the spring of 2021, The Prince has been delayed due to Prince Philip's death in April, out of respect for the royal family.
Aquaman: King of Atlantis - TBA
A three-part animated series centering on Aquaman is coming to HBO Max. Produced by James Wan, Aquaman: King of Atlantis plans to begin with Aquaman's first day as the leader of the underwater kingdom. Vulko and Mera will serve as his key advisors as the King faces a variety of threats including his half-brother. The miniseries will be geared to viewers of all ages unlike some of the other upcoming DC shows.
Young Justice Season 4 - TBA
Young Justice originally aired on Cartoon Network before moving to DC Universe for season 3. The series will make another move, this time to HBO Max for the upcoming fourth season. Focusing on DC superheroes of all ages, season 4 of Young Justice is subtitled Phantoms. It's unclear when exactly the new season will drop, but development has been underway since 2019.
Young Love - TBA
HBO Max is expanding the lives of the characters featured in the award-winning short film Hair Love with the development of the sequel, Young Love. Matthew A. Cherry is returning as the showrunner for the animated series, which will bring back millennial parents Stephen and Angela, their daughter Zuri, and the family's pet cat Rocky. Aside from presenting struggles within parenthood, marriage, and careers, Young Love will introduce themes that touch on social issues and generational dynamics.
Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai - TBA
First announced in 2019, the animated series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai will finally debut sometime in 2021. The animated series by Tze Chun will serve as a prequel to 1984's Gremlins, sharing the story of how a young Sam Wing met Gizmo. Raya and the Last Dragon's Izaac Wang is voicing young Sam. Though Howie Mandel will not be returning to voice Gizmo, A. J. Locascio is set to take over the voice role. He will be joined by notable names like Ming-Na Wen, B. D. Wong, James Hong, and Matthew Rhys.
Jellystone! - TBA
Yogi Bear will be back in the focus on a TV series for the first time since 1991's Yo Yogi! when Jellystone! arrives on HBO Max. The animated series by C. H. Greenblatt features Yogi Bear and other Hanna-Barbera characters like Cindy Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Boo-Boo Bear, and Snagglepuss, living in the town of Jellystone. Jeff Bergman is voicing the role of Yogi Bear, and the series is expected to arrive by the end of 2021.
Station Eleven - TBA
Based on the 2014 novel by Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven is predicted to debut on HBO Max before the end of 2021. The series, written by Patrick Somerville, centers on the aftermath of a flu-like pandemic that wipes out much of the world's population. Mackenzie Davis has been tapped to play the lead role of Kirsten with a cast that also includes Himesh Patel, David Wilmot, Gael García Bernal, and Danielle Deadwyler.
Tokyo Vice - TBA
Tokyo Vice, an upcoming crime drama based on Jake Adelstein's book of the same name, is also expected to arrive at some point in 2021. Ansel Elgort is set to star as Jake Adelstein, an American journalist who relocates to Tokyo where he falls deep into the corrupt underworld. Set in the 1990s, Tokyo Vice will also feature a cast that includes Ken Watanabe, Rachel Keller, Ella Rumpf, and Rinko Kikuchi.
The Sex Lives Of College Girls - TBA
Mindy Kaling will be branching out to HBO Max when her new comedy-drama series, The Sex Lives of College Girls, arrives on the streamer. The series will follow four 18-year-old roommates at Essex College in Vermont as they experience everything college has to offer. Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Renée Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott are set to portray the four lead teens. They will be joined by a supporting cast that includes Dylan Sprouse, Midori Francis, and Gavin Leatherwood.
Everything Else Coming To HBO Max In 2021
Several other major titles are expected to arrive on HBO Max in 2021, but a few of those projects are keeping announcements under wraps. Conan O'Brien will also be moving to HBO Max with a revitalized variety show. Many of the other titles fall into the genre of children and family TV series, including Mush-Mush & the Mushables, Little Ellen, Tom and Jerry in the Big City, and Unicorn: Warriors Eternal. On the reality TV side, HBO Max is bolstering its lineup in 2021, with projects like Sweet Life: Los Angeles and The Real Magic Mike, based on the Channing Tatum film series.