Summary
Henry Cavill has multiple projects coming up, and one of them isVoltron. Unfortunately, the project just received a disappointing update.
Voltronis an upcoming live-action adaptation of the sci-fi action adventure mecha anime seriesVoltron: Defender of the Universe. It was officially announced in March 2022 with Rawson Marshall Thurber (Red Notice,Central Intelligence) attached as director and Amazon MGM Studios producing. Aside from Cavill, the highly anticipated film also stars Daniel Quinn-Toye, Sterling K. Brown, Rita Ora, John Harlan Kim, Alba Baptista, Samson Kayo, and Tharanya Tharan, to name a few. They began filming in December 2024 and wrapped up production in April 2025. Many are already excited to watch the movie, but its newest update will surely leave many disappointed.
Voltronis an adaptation of an iconic 1980s animated series and is one of the most anticipated upcoming releases from AmazonMGMStudios. Amazon has been resurrecting 1980s IP, just likeRoad House.Unfortunately, despite reports about Amazon investing in movies for theaters, Cavill’sVoltronis reportedly not getting the same treatment. “Despite Amazon’s commitment to theatrical exhibition,Voltronis going straight to their Prime Video streaming service,” The Wrap reported. The move is not unprecedented becauseRoad House, whose director thought it would have a theatrical release, also went straight to streaming.
In the case ofRoad House, the reaction that it would go straight to streaming was a bit more dramatic. Doug Liman, who directed the movie, even threatened to boycott its premiere. According to Liman, he filmed the movie using IMAX cameras because they intended it for the cinema. To his disappointment, it didn’t have a theatrical release. He alleged that Amazon promised several filmmakers theatrical releases for their projects, but their works were allegedly “dumped on streaming.” Jake Gyllenhaal, the main protagonist ofRoad House, however, said it was just a misunderstanding because, to his knowledge, Amazon had always intended the film to be exclusive for streaming. There were reportedly no plans for a theatrical release. Liman’s public feud with Amazon over the issue may have cost him the sequel becauseGuy Ritchie(Sherlock Holmes, The Gentlemen) is taking over the director’s chair forRoad House 2.At present, there’s no reaction from director Thurber or Cavill regardingVoltron’srelease strategy.
What Is The Point Of Getting A Big BudgetVoltronFilm If You Can’t Even Watch It On The Big Screen?
The news is disappointing because a theatrical release offers a wholly different experience than streaming. It delivers bigger and more immersive visuals, which is perfect forlive-action adaptations likeVoltron, which involves giant mechs, space battles, and visual spectacle. Theatrical releases also generate more media buzz and reviews. It would also likely attract traditional moviegoers who want to experience it in the cinema because streaming feels less eventful. Plus, it enhances the emotional experience when one watches a film in theaters and sees other fans' reactions. This creates a community and belonging.
Additionally, giving a project a theatrical run elevates its movie status. In contrast, when a project goes straight to streaming, it can create the impression that the film is less cinematic or lower in quality, even if that’s not true. For instance, in the case ofRoad House, it was shot with IMAX cameras because the director intended it for the big screens. Streaming-only films prioritize volume and engagement and are often produced on tighter budgets. This latest move just calls Amazon MGM’s status as a major Hollywood production house into question.
