Just when you thought it was safe to start writing release dates in ink on your calendar, Sony gave a Friday afternoon heave-ho to HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA.
Instead of launching 7/23, the animated comedy adventure from MRC will now hit theatres 10/1. Well, Sony’s saying 10/1, but looking at what’s already there raises doubts that HT4 (pictured – 2018’s HT3 on the beach at Cannes) will stay put. It’s not WB/Legendary’s sci-fi tentpole DUNE that’s the problem — it’s MGM/UAR/BRON’s animated comedy adventure THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2.
Why Sony would want to go head-to-head with AF2 is anybody’s guess. 10/1’s a great kick-off date for a twisted animated pre-Halloween season title — but not for two of them! With MGM having already staked its flag in the sands of 10/1, it’s hard to believe AF2’s going elsewhere.
HT4, on the other hand, seems more likely to pack its bags eventually. Sony would benefit from exiting 10/1, a date that’s attractive only if you’ve forgotten MGM/Universal/Eon’s NO TIME TO DIE is opening 10/8. BOND 25 will cut into weekend 2 for anything that starts 10/1 and will dominate the box office for the rest of October.
