In a recent interview, director Patty Jenkins said that a year ago, she would have "flipped out" had someone told her that her labour of love, Wonder Woman 1984, would have a direct-to-web release. However, she has now thrown her might behind the idea as the Gal Gadot-fronted superhero movie gears up for a simultaneous release in theatres and on HBO Max in the US and Europe. The December 25 offering comes as a ray of hope in the Indian market as it is poised only for a theatrical run.

Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi says the film may give a boost to the business that hasn't witnessed a tentpole movie post the pandemic. "Not all screens are equipped to play such Hollywood films. The studio has allowed its release only in DCI-compliant [Digital Cinema Initiatives] projections. That said, Wonder Woman 1984 will open in almost 1,000 screens. This can be the big-screen spectacle that will draw the audience," says Rathi.