With cinema grinding to a complete halt and the summer film slate practically wiped away due to the continuing Coronavirus pandemic, one thing in the world of film remains up in the air as we continue to move through 2020, next year’s Oscars.
Whilst although a trivial matter when weighed up against what is happening in the world, let’s take a dive into how some of the films which have found new release dates, may fancy their chances at taking the Dolby theatre stage, providing the world slips back into relative normality.
First up is one offering relatively simple analysis, Disney and Pixar’s animated feature hopeful (more like front-runner) “Soul”, the story of musician Joe Gardiner (Jamie Foxx) who finds himself transported out of his body and begins his journey back to it, finding himself along the way. The move from June to November doesn’t really affect the film’s chances, its status as Pixar’s crown jewel this year looks to be well on the way to fruition, especially considering their early-year offering “Onward” received a fairly lukewarm response.
Wes Anderson’s return to the screen with his all-star led ode to journalism “The French Dispatch” saw itself pushed back a few months from July to October, and although missing out on its undoubtedly lucrative (in terms of word of mouth) festival run probably beginning at Cannes, an October release date coupled with its only high-caliber competition that month being the Aaron Sorkin directed “Trial of the Chicago 7” should keep Anderson’s latest piece prominent throughout the back end of 2020.
The final two months of the year will see two heavyweight blockbusters possibly attempting to try their luck with the Academy. Firstly Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond “No Time to Die” directed by Cary Fukunaga was the first film of note to jump release date, having previously been slated to drop earlier this month, the films now late November position may well demonstrate a high amount of faith placed in the film by studio head Barbara Broccoli. Though it should be said this is only a month later than both “Skyfall” and “Spectre” (both of which went on to only claim original song).
A month after Bond’s final outing, and at the moment slated to go head to head with Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic “Dune” is the former June now Christmas release “Top Gun: Maverick” which will see Tom Cruise take to the skies as Maverick for the first time in nearly 35 years. This quintessential looking summer blockbuster could have easily shifted an entire year ready for summer 2021, giving those at the helm more time to iron out any practical and visual effects, however, its now Christmas release could demonstrate a move by paramount to position the film for awards success, especially given the increasing amount of high praise and buzz surrounding the films ‘never before seen’ stunts and action.
The final film to look at may actually be the most intriguing for two reasons. The first being that it is the latest Christopher Nolan original epic “Tenet”, and the second being that unlike the others on this list, its release date remains unchanged. Still penciled in by Warner Bros for a July 17 bow. Is this gamble from the studio that the resumption of normality in the world and the re-opening of cinemas will come just in time for Nolan’s espionage thriller to be the first blockbuster out of the gates, or are they simply biding their time and looking for the best possible future release date. A date that may have to be 2021 considering the now crowded Christmas schedule. I for one would gamble that we may see Warner Bros push Villeneuve’s “Dune” to 2021 and move the John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Elizabeth Debicki starring “Tenet” into the battle with paramount’s Top Gun sequel.
With more moves likely on the horizon, watch this space..