Summer Blockbuster ‘Barbie’ to Stream on Max This Month, Including with American Sign Language Interpretation
After almost five months, “Barbie” is finally arriving on Max and the streaming platform is providing a unique way to watch it as well.
Soon, you will be able to say, “Hi, Barbie!” from the comfort of your own home as the summer blockbuster “Barbie” is finally landing on Max later this month. The record-breaking big-screen interpretation of the iconic doll will be available to stream starting on Friday, Dec. 15 in both the theatrical version and an American Sign Language interpretation.
- ‘Barbie’ will come to Max 148 days after being initially released in theaters.
- The film had a tremendous run on video-on-demand platforms where it has been available to rent or buy for nearly three months.
- ASL performer Leila Hanaumi provides the sign language performance.
“Barbie” originally debuted in theaters on July 20, 2023 and has gone on to be the highest-grossing film — both domestically and internationally — this year, pulling in over $1.4 billion. Normally, Warner Bros. Discovery tends to bring its movies to Max fairly quickly, but because of the success of the film, the company elected to keep it in theaters for as long as possible, before transitioning it to premium video-on-demand (PVOD) platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video where fans could rent or buy it beginning in mid-September.
From there, the Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling film continued to generate additional revenue for the studio, delaying its arrival on Max. Initially, based on our expert analysis of WBD’s windowing strategy, The Streamable predicted that the movie would be on Max on Sept. 29, but give the box office success, that fell more in line when it moved to PVOD.
However, now, 148 days following its cinema premiere, “Barbie” will finally be available to stream with a Max subscription next week.
Why Is Max Releasing an ASL Version of ‘Barbie’?
In the streaming announcement, WBD said that feedback from the Deaf community and its own research had led to this unique presentation of the film, which will feature ASL performer Leila Hanaumi signing the film’s dialogue. “Barbie” with ASL will be its own unique title in the Max library, separate from the standard version of the movie. Viewers will be able to distinguish between them by the sign language symbol on the ASL version’s key art.
“Max is the premiere destination for storytelling, so being able to share the biggest movie of the year in ASL, the first language for many, will make this story resonate in a more meaningful way,” chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content Casey Bloys said. “By offering sign language interpretation, we will build upon the film’s empowering message of inclusiveness and offer a unique viewing experience for the Deaf community to enjoy with family and friends.”
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