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James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad was one of the most-anticipated summer releases of 2021, putting a new spin on the beloved DC Comics team. The movie received above-average scores from critics and general audiences alike, even with its somewhat disappointing box office numbers. Of course, it’s also available to watch on HBO Max, the result of Warner Bros. Pictures’ same-day release deal with the streamer. However, the deal only makes the new films available for a short window. How much longer can HBO Max subscribers stream The Suicide Squad on the platform?

How long do new movies stream on HBO Max?

The deal struck between Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max last year intended to give viewers increased movie-viewing options in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the agreement, the studio allowed HBO Max to release films like The Suicide Squad on the same day they debuted theatrically.

Of course, the films don’t stay on HBO Max for their entire theatrical run. Instead, Warner Bros. Pictures agreed to have them stream for 30 days after their release. Following that 30-day period, all of the studio’s new movies return to a normal rollout model, finishing their time in theaters and heading to DVD and Blu-ray.

This setup will change in 2022, when a new agreement between Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max goes into effect. According to Variety, the streamer will have to wait 45 days after a theatrical release before making new movies available. That said, Variety also reports the studio plans to make 10 exclusive films for the platform next year.

For now, the current deal remains in place until the end of 2021. What does that mean for The Suicide Squad, and how much longer can fans watch it on HBO Max?

When does ‘The Suicide Squad’ leave HBO Max?

Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, John Cena as Peacemaker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Peter Capaldi as The Thinker and Idris Elba as Bloodsport in ‘The Suicide Squad.’ The group walks together in the rain, headed somewhere to the right of screen. Bloodsport leads them wearing all black and a black helmet, and Harley Quinn wears a ruffled red dress and combat boots. The film is streaming on HBO Max and available in theaters.
Joel Kinnaman, John Cena, Margot Robbie, Peter Capaldi, and Idris Elba in ‘The Suicide Squad’ | Jessica Miglio/DC Comics

Those who haven’t watched The Suicide Squad yet — or those looking to catch it one more time — will want to make haste. The Suicide Squad leaves HBO Max on Sept. 5, so fans only have a couple of days to stream the DC film. New releases usually remain on the platform until 11:59 p.m. on the final day they’re available. Fans cutting it close to the film’s departure should keep an eye on the clock.

After Sept. 5, The Suicide Squad will finish its theatrical run, which could last several more weeks. Depending on the movie theater, interested viewers can always catch it there. However, it won’t return to streaming until it goes through the traditional release process. Eventually, The Suicide Squad will return to HBO Max in a more long-term setup and join the rest of the DC content available there.

Will ‘The Suicide Squad’ get a DVD and Blu-ray release?

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Like most hits from Warner Bros. Pictures, The Suicide Squad will eventually come out on DVD and Blu-ray. However, the studio hasn’t announced details just yet. There’s no confirmed timeline for when the film will be available to watch at home again, nor is there any word on special features that could accompany the digital release.

Most sites predict The Suicide Squad will be available to purchase sometime in October or November. That’s about the same timeline Wonder Woman: 1984 and Shazam followed, so it looks like fans could revisit James Gunn’s film just in time for the holidays.

It will take a bit longer for The Suicide Squad to make its way back to HBO Max. That’s a sign subscribers should enjoy it while it’s still available. There’s still time left to dig in!

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