Is there anyone out there who has not read “The Great Gatsby”? If we didn’t read it on our own, we were introduced to the book in English class. I loved this book so of course, I’m excited to see the upcoming movie (and 3D version).
This eagerly-anticipated version is directed by Baz Luhrmann (of Moulin Rouge fame). Luhrman’s “The Great Gatsby” stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan and Tobey Maguire at Nick Carraway. It was set to be released on December 25th, clearly timed for consideration at this year’s Academy Awards.
Well, in surprising turn of events, Warner Bros. announced today that the release date has been pushed back to some time in…summer 2013!
Normally, when studios do this the main reason tends to be that the movie just isn’t very good. Execs view the first cut and deem it unworthy of release, send it back for more editing and – in the worst cases – release it in the dreary months of February. In this case, there has already even been pre-publicity and marketing costs incurred.
In a statement, Warner Bros. said that releasing it in summer will allow more people to see it:
“Based on what we’ve seen, Baz Luhrmann’s incredible work is all we anticipated and so much more. 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.” Dan Feldman, Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution
Who needs Oscars when you can get big summer box-office? The Los Angeles Times is also reporting that the delay will allow Baz Luhrmann time to complete “the extensive 3-D effects and a planned all-star soundtrack.” The soundtrack was an integral part of his hit Moulin Rouge.
So this fall, it looks like we’ll have to look to Anna Karenina and Les Miserables to fulfill our book-to-movie adaptation fix.
And as for Gatsby, we’ll just have to make do with the official trailer for now:
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