The movie Scoob! is set to hit HBO Max just six weeks after its initial VOD release. For decades, Hanna-Barbera’s animated characters were some of the most popular around, giving rise to the likes of The Flintstones, The Smurfs and of course, Scooby-Doo. As of 2001, however, the famed studio was absorbed into Warner Bros. Animation, and a new era for the Hanna-Barbera characters began. For fans, the move into Warner’s creative control hasn’t necessarily had any negative effect on the studio’s beloved (and lengthy) list of characters. However, for some, new takes on The Smurfs, as well as Scooby-Doo, haven’t been all they can or should be.
The recent release of animated feature film Scoob! is one such example. Intended as an origin story for the Scooby-Doo gang, the film was also expected to kick-start a Hanna-Barbera cinematic universe. While Scoob! definitely had its prospects for success challenged by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the film still managed to find its way into fans homes via Premium Video On Demand last month. The reviews surely weren’t what Warner Bros. was hoping for, though there were some bright spots.
Things could be about to change for Scoob!, however, now that its arrival on a major subscription streaming service is not far off. Per a press release from HBO Max, the new animated film will arrive on the recently launched streaming service on June 26. That makes for a rather quick transition of just six weeks since Scoob! was released and when it will arrive on the streaming service. The move was hailed by HBO Max’s chief content officer, Kevin Reilly, as “a perfect addition” to the streaming service’s family content:
HBO Max is the perfect home for these 'meddling kids' and their dog. SCOOB! tells the backstory of how these beloved friends met and formed Mystery Inc. It's a perfect addition to our kids and family offering and will sit alongside beloved original Scooby-Doo episodes.
The move does seem mutually beneficial for the film and HBO Max. While Scoob! could do with more exposure and a chance to grow on fans through repeat viewings, HBO Max is arguably in need of more titles that suit a family-friendly demographic. Of course, there are plenty of options out there for those who are after family-friendly fare in terms of Netflix or Disney+, and the fact that HBO Max is focused more on R-rated material is perhaps one of its biggest appeals. However, HBO Max has gotten off to a slightly rocky start, and though things are likely to be fine for the new service, in the highly competitive world of subscription streaming, every advantage is an important one. Whether the acquisition of Scoob! is going to lure in new subscribers, however, is another question altogether.
As for Scoob!, the film could be on the verge of gaining far more recognition with its move to HBO Max. But whether the attention the film might get will be enough to build momentum for a Hanna-Barbera cinematic universe is uncertain. It’s not hard to believe that Scoob!’s somewhat lukewarm reception could change over time. However, for now, long-time fans of Scooby-Doo will likely be hoping that Scoob! is just the tip of the iceberg for the iconic franchise.
Source: HBO Max
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June 19, 2020 at 04:56AM
