Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches is skipping cinemas in the US and heading straight to HBO Max on 22 October 2020.

The dark fantasy comedy movie based on Roald Dahl’s classic 1983 children’s novel was originally supposed to release 9 October 2020 in the US. However, the movie will still premiere in international cinemas on 28 October 2020.

Speaking with Variety, Warner Bros. Pictures Group Chairman Toby Emmerich said:

The Witches is a wonderful reimagining of Roald Dahl’s classic tale that combines world-class filmmaking with fantastic performances.

It’s fun for the whole family and ideal for this time of year.”

The Witches is based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel about a young boy who, while staying with his grandmother at a hotel, happens upon a gathering of witches led by the Grand High Witch (Hathaway). With the help of his grandmother, he attempts to thwart their evil plot of turning the world’s children into mice.

The upcoming movie stars newcomer Jahzir Kadeem Bruno, along with Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci, Chris Rock and Kristin Chenoweth.

Zemeckis is best known for movies like Forrest Gump and Back To The Future. The screenplay for The Witches was also co-written with Guillermo del Toro and Kenya Barris.

In the meantime, check out the trailer below: