By Ryan Parsons | Image property of United Artists.
Valkyrie
UA/MGM has decided to push the release of Valkyrie back from the July 4th holiday frame to October 3rd. While their official announcement claims that they are moving the film's theatrical release to give Singer more time on Valkyrie's production, my source claims there are other reasons.
ValkyriePushed to October 3rd
What United Artists is saying:
Singer has yet to shoot a 'pivotal' battle scene that shows how Cruise's character, Col. Claus von Stauffenberg, lost his eye and hand while fighting in Africa. This scene was expected to be shot outside the US -- which leaves unlimited guesses on where they originally intended it to be -- but now they are looking somewhere else. Like where - inside the US?
With one piece of production still left to do, UA wants to make sure Bryan Singer has all the time he needs. The scene is now expected to be shot this February.
What I've heard:
It is no secret that the competition around the Fourth of July holiday is fierce. To make matters worse, Universal decided to place their own tentpole, Wanted, on exactly the same date as Valkyrie. To win over the biggest audience, each camp would have to go on a marketing craze; a craze that will take place during a very, very expensive time of the year.
In short, Valkyrie was going to have to pay (a lot) to play. The economics played a big factor on the decision to push the film. What about the whole production issue? From what I've heard... Production is still considered on schedule.
(end of what I've heard)
The change of release date has other advantages as well. By placing Valkyrie in October, the film will be released at the beginning of awards season.
Add to Heffee!
