J.J. Abrams’ ‘The Great Beyond’ Delayed to October 2027

J.J. Abrams’ first directing project since 2019’s “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” has been delayed. Warner Bros. is moving “The Great Beyond” from its planned Nov. 13, 2026, release to Oct. 1, 2027.

Makes sense. We have had zero promo material for this one, not even an image to go by — something was obviously brewing behind the scenes and today we got our answer.

Warner Bros. is telling the trades that the decision follows a recent test screening that generated very positive reactions. The studio is now pursuing an IMAX 70mm release strategy, which requires additional time to produce the specialized film prints.

Abrams reportedly wanted to keep the film in a fall release window. At the same time, “The Batman” sequel also needed more post-production time, prompting Warner Bros. to shift “The Great Beyond” into that film’s former release slot on Oct. 1, 2027.

Do I believe them? Nope. For months, I’ve been hearing the total opposite about how the film has tested. We’ll leave it at that.

“The Great Beyond” features an ensemble cast including Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Merritt Wever, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Although plot details are being kept under wraps, the film is rumored to be an ’80s throwback inspired by “The Last Starfighter.” The plot for “The Great Beyond” reportedly centers on “an author of popular fantasy novels who reveals that the mythical world he’s known for creating is actually real, sending the lead character (Powell) on a quest.” The previous title, “Ghostwriter,” makes sense in that context.

Abrams hasn’t directed a film in almost seven years; it will be eight by the time “The Great Beyond” comes out. He’s also had a few TV projects get canned and has mostly been producing—when he’s been active at all. The fallout from his Disney-fied “Star Wars” trilogy was certainly part of the reason he disappeared from the spotlight.

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