HBO Max Content Head Opens Up About 'Friends' Reunion, Zack Snyder's 'Justice League'

Months ago, HBO’s streaming service HBO Max was all set to work on the highly anticipated “Friends Reunion” special featuring the entire star cast of the show. However, the management had to change its plans because of the coronavirus pandemic. The special is now expected to be available for streaming in 2021.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, HBO Max’s content head Sarah Aubrey opened up about how the newest streaming service in the market had to come out without any original show, and she also gave an update on the “Friends Reunion” special.

According to various reports, the original cast of the show — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer — will receive between $2.5 million to $4 million to appear on the special.

When asked if she is happy with the actors getting paid that much even when the special could not launch on time, Aubrey said that the management thinks it is worth it. She also admitted that it would have been “fun” to have the special launch alongside the service.

“We definitely think so. Of course, it would have been fun to have at launch, but I do not think it loses value whether they watch it next week or later in the year,” Aubrey said.

In March, it was reported that the makers have decided to delay the unscripted special after seeing how things were changing due to the coronavirus outbreak. As of late, no particular filming date has been announced.

The original series started in 1995 and ran for ten seasons with a total of 236 episodes.

On the other hand, the streaming service stunned everyone when it announced that Zack Snyder’s version of “Justice League” will be streaming live next year. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram were filled with a plethora of posts since the release of the movie in 2017.

Snyder had to leave the project after his daughter’s death. “Avengers” director Joss Whedon stepped in to finish the film. The film turned out to be a flop, prompting the fans to demand for the “Snyder Cut” of the movie.

Speaking about Snyder’s “Justice League,” Aubrey said that many people liked the announcement and they are excited about it. But when asked if other filmmakers will start expecting to get the same treatment, the content head said she is not worried about opening a Pandora’s box.

“I do not worry about it opening up a Pandora's box. It is not going to be one size fits all. [As for the Snyder cut,] I think it is already a success given the press we have had around it,” Aubrey said.

While Snyder assembles his league to seek justice for his vision, fans will have to wait patiently. HBO Max only stated that the cut will arrive in 2021 and did not give an exact release date.