One of our most-anticipated movies may finally be arriving in theaters earlier than expected. We updated you this morning that the MPAA handed out a PG-13 rating to Alfonso Cuaron‘s sci-fi epic Gravity for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language, but it is time to dive deeper on what it could mean. Although Warner Bros. still has a vague 2013 date attached to the film, in most cases MPAA ratings are only given when the film is nearly complete.

As we know, the first test screening occurred back in May for the ambitious film that follows a journey through space with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. Although they were mostly positive, a few hinted the project, which is heavily dependent on cutting-edge visual effects, was in a rough state. Less than two weeks later WB confirmed the consensus and moved the film out of its November 21st, 2012 slate and into 2013. With a second test screening happening just a few weeks ago in Los Angeles and this new MPAA, it looks like a final project is nearly complete. But when will it debut?

WB has a fairly full slate in 2013, with at least one film, often times two, hitting theaters every month until next October. If they truly have something great hidden away, perhaps they will hold off until next year’s Oscar race to debut, but if Gravity is the esoteric film that it sounds like it may very well be, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take The Tree of Life route with a Cannes debut following a summer release. Of course, with that scenario, the IMAX-confirmed release may prove to be a tough barrier to find an open window amongst the blockbuster slate. Regardless, we can be happy that a close-to-final cut exists somewhere out there and it will hopefully be before our eyes in the near future.

When would be a smart release window for Gravity?