Caffeinated Clint
The “300” sequel won’t be seen this year.
Originally due for an August release, Warners has decided to push “300 : Rise of an Empire” back to March 7, 2014.
When a film is moved from a cushy Summer release spot to a month like March, generally regarded as a month when “whatever is left” comes out, it’s usually a sign a film isn’t that hot. Warner Bros are quick to point out the move has nothing to do with the quality of the film – starring Australia’s Sullivan Stapleton – and more to do with the fact that the first “300”, a sleeper hit, had a similar March date. It’s like synchronicity.. or something.
“Moving 300: Rise of an Empire to March 7 continues in the tradition of the first 300, and kicks off the spring moviegoing season in epic style. The film is on track to become all that audiences have come to expect from the franchise,” Warners president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman said, via The Hollywood Reporter.
Whatever the case, it’s a smart move. In August, “300 : Rise of an Empire” – which, sadly, doesn’t benefit from the star power of original star Gerard Butler (if he’s even got star power; I’m thinking after “Olympus Has Fallen” he may have a smidge more – it did well) – would’ve faced the likes of “Elysium”, “Kick-Ass 2” and “The Mortal Instruments”. The competition would’ve been too fierce. Next March, it’ll like face.. whatever Diane Keaton’s been up to.
The studio has also moved another film. “All You Need is Kill”, the new Tom Cruise vehicle, has been shifted from March to a more confident Summer/June 14 2014 slot. Keeping with the theme that only the biggest and best movies get released in the Summer, Warners are seemingly confident they’ve a ripper on their hands here. “We are thrilled about All You Need Is Kill heating up our summer ’14 slate. It is an action-packed adventure, told by an extraordinary cast, which is sure to have global appeal,” president of international distribution Veronika Kwan Vandenberg said.
But, of course, movies aren’t moved to or from the Summer schedule simply because their of a more premium quality than something else, are they?
