Sorry Leo fans, but you won’t be getting a double feature this Christmas Day, as Warner Bros. has shifted their 3D adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald‘s revered classic The Great Gatsby to summer 2013. With Django Unchained standing alone now as Leonardo DiCaprio‘s Oscar prospect, Baz Luhrmann‘s film also featured Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton and Carey Mulligan.
Although no specific reason was given by the studio, other than your basic positive spin, the move certainly makes sense. With WB’s own The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, as well as Les Miserables, Jack Reacher, This Is 40, Zero Dark Thirty, Django Unchained and not to mention the batch of limited awards contender all releasing the same month, something had to budge. The trailer hinted at fun, lavish, over-the-top affair, which could perhaps be better opposite programming in the summer slate, which also includes WB’s Man of Steel. Check out a quote from WB’s president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman below.
Based on what we’ve seen, Baz Luhrmann’s incredible work is all we anticipated and so much more. It truly brings Fitzgerald’s American classic to life in a completely immersive, visually stunning and exciting way. We think moviegoers of all ages are going to embrace it, and it makes sense to ensure this unique film reaches the largest audience possible.
Check back for a more specific date as we await more news from the studio.
Do you think the move makes sense? Are you disappointed you won’t be able to see it sooner?