There's a positive and a negative side to studios setting release dates for projects that are still in development. On the one hand it's a nice marketing tool that tells fans of a series/source material that the studio is serious about getting the project done and gives those people a chance to mark their calendars. The downside, though, is when production doesn't start as quickly as the studio was hoping and they are made to look foolish. Enter the Weinstein Company and Scary Movie 5.
According to Box Office Mojo, Harvey and Bob's studio finally realized that the April 20, 2012 release date for the fourth sequel in the horror parody franchise may be hard to reach, as that date is only two months out cameras haven't even started rolling yet. But for those who are afraid that this means the project isn't happening, don't be afraid. The studio is apparently planning to get the project rolling this very year, as they have moved the title to January 11, 2013.
In other release date shifting news, the Weinsteins have been busy. Cogan's Trade, which we just saw a bunch of new images from the other day, has now been scheduled to come out on September 21st of this year. The move puts the Andrew Dominik drama up against the comic book adaptation Dredd, the animated film Hotel Transylvania, and the Jennifer Lawrence-starring thriller House at the End of the Street. Also moving is Butter, the satire from director Jim Field Smith. While that project was initially supposed to arrive exactly a month from now, it has now been moved to October 5th. As a parody of the 2008 presidential election, the movie is now in prime real estate, as the 2012 presidential elections will be held on November 6th.
In non-Weinstein related release date news, Gangster Squad, the drama from director Ruben Fleischer, has been bumped up by a week. While it was originally going to go toe-to-toe with Paranormal Activity 4 and The Big Wedding, it has moved to a much calmer weekend, when premieres include the new Halloween comedy Fun Size, the Kevin James MMA laugher Here Comes The Boom, and the Jason Statham action flick Parker.
