Monster Hunter release moved to Christmas to challenge Wonder Woman

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Throughout most of the year, we've seen studios continuously delay films as COVID-19 continued to spread; some have pushed those films into the next year or beyond while others have chosen to debut on streaming services, but a very select few have held firm to their release dates. It was announced just yesterday that WONDER WOMAN 1984 would still be released in theaters on December 25, 2020, but that it would also be available to stream on HBO Max in the U.S., giving people the option to view the sequel in theaters or in the comfort of their own homes. I've got to say, I like that approach and I imagine that it's something we'll be seeing more of.

WONDER WOMAN 1984 will likely be the biggest film to debut on Christmas Day (Pixar's SOUL is also slated to debut on Disney+ on the same day), but Paul W.S. Anderson's MONSTER HUNTER has decided to give the Amazonian Goddess a run for her money. The video-game adaptation was originally slated to hit theaters on December 30, 2020, but the studio has now decided to move the film up to December 25, 2020 to directly challenge WONDER WOMAN 1984; however, unlike the simultaneous theatrical/streaming release plan for WONDER WOMAN 1984, MONSTER HUNTER will be "honoring a full theatrical window," which means that if you want to see the film, you're going to have to head to theaters or wait for its home-media release.

The official synopsis for MONSTER HUNTER:

Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate showdown.

It's WONDER WOMAN 1984 vs MONSTER HUNTER on December 25, 2020; Which will you be watching?