It’s rare that a movie gets moved back on the release schedule because it’s just so amazing that studio executives want to savor their time with it. It’s also rare that a 3D movie doesn’t totally suck. So, while we can’t say that we’re completely surprised to hear that Warner Bros. has decided to move Baz Luhrmann’s 3D adaptation of The Great Gatsby from a prime awards season spot (Christmas Day!) all the way to an unspecified date next summer, we are curious what it could possibly suggest about the finished product.
Here’s what Warner Bros. is saying it means, via a press release: “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.”
Based on the hyperactive trailer, we never thought this film was going to be a serious contender in any Oscar race other than Best Costume Design, but it did look like it could be a good bit of fun. Is Warner Bros. really just now realizing that they’ve made a popcorn movie and not a serious period piece? The Playlist thinks that the move has more to do with an overcrowded December release schedule (which includes Les Miserables, Django Unchained, Zero Dark Thirty, and This Is 40, as well as The Hobbit — also a Warner Bros. film) as opposed to any issues with the actual movie, but we’re still skeptical. What are you betting?