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Christopher Nolan did not force Warner Bros to release 'Tenet' in cinemas

However, some other critics were left cold by Tenet's complicated plot (Image by Warner Bros)
However, some other critics were left cold by Tenet's complicated plot (Image by Warner Bros)

Ann Sarnoff, the head of Warner Bros, has denied claims that Tenet director Christopher Nolan forced the studio to release his latest blockbuster into cinemas, despite the global pandemic.

Sarnoff told The Hollywood Reporter that the idea Nolan was in control of Tenet’s theatrical release was “overstated,” before then explaining the process that the studio went through after Covid-19 brought the movie industry to a screeching halt.

Read More: UK box office up 354% with 'Tenet' driving takings

“Right when COVID struck, we started looking at alternative ways to think about movie releases. On the Scoob! front, we decided to release it on PVOD. Families were sequestered together and wanted more content. We are very happy with the results. A few weeks later it debuted on HBO Max, where we were very happy with the results as well."

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Ann Sarnoff, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of Warner Brothers, speaks onstage at HBO Max WarnerMedia Investor Day Presentation at Warner Bros. Studios on October 29, 2019 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for WarnerMedia)
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Ann Sarnoff, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of Warner Brothers, speaks onstage at HBO Max WarnerMedia Investor Day Presentation at Warner Bros. Studios on October 29, 2019 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for WarnerMedia)

"On the Tenet front, we also had a finished movie, which we are very proud for people to see. As the summer unfolded, we started thinking about more innovative ways of releasing the movie. What if we didn’t put everything up front toward the opening weekend? Theatres were very upfront about saying they could give us three to four times as many screens as normal.”

“So that started to change our thinking. We are happy with where we are. Some markets still aren’t open, but it is a marathon and not a sprint."

Read More: International fans are spending hundreds of pounds on travel to see 'Tenet'

Since more and more cinemas are now opening up across the world, and theatre chains are also increasing capacity in screenings, too, Tenet is expected to remain in cinemas for the foreseeable future.

Those of you that feel comfortable going to the cinema can even go and see Tenet right now, as Christopher Nolan’s time-bending blockbuster has just been released into theatres in the UK.