SKULL ISLAND Gets Re-titled, Pushed Back to 2017; Zhang Yimou’s Untitled Great Wall Epic Set For November 2016

[CosaNostra]

Because movie titles need to be as obvious as possible, Skull Island has been re-titled to Kong: Skull Island.  Starring Tom Hiddleston and directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (Kings of Summer), the film has also been moved from November 4, 2016 to March 10, 2017.  The re-titling is an obvious branding move, but the shift in the release date is a little more interesting.  Was Universal nervous about going head to head with Marvel’s Doctor Strange?  Could be.  Or it could just be that the studio didn’t want to rush the film and felt it needed more time to complete.  Hit the jump for the full press release.

king kong skull islandThe biggest bummer here is obviously that we have to wait an extra few months to see the newest King Kong film.  After Peter Jackson‘s 2005 King Kong failed to resonate, fans have been waiting to see the beloved beast back on the big screen.  The title change also speaks to the studio’s desire to build a franchise, but that’s not exactly a surprise given that’s how big-budget movies are made these days.  It’s not a big change, but Skull Island was a great title that could have easily stood on its own.

In addition, Legendary has set Zhang Yimou‘s (Hero, House of Flying Daggers) Untitled Great Wall Project for November 23, 2016.  The project will mark Yimou’s English-language debut and will be released in 3D.

Here’s the full press release regarding the release date swap:

    Legendary’s SKULL ISLAND has been retitled KONG: SKULL ISLAND and will move from November 4, 2016 to Friday, March 10, 2017.  The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures.

     

    Legendary’s UNTITLED GREAT WALL PROJECT will be released in 3D by Universal Pictures on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, with the Chinese market opening in early December 2016.

     

    About KONG: SKULL ISLAND

    In the spirit of its worldwide blockbuster Godzilla, Legendary Pictures presents a bold new take on the mythos of another iconic beast with KONG: SKULL ISLAND, which stars Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers and Thor series).  Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) and written by John Gatins (Flight) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla), KONG: SKULL ISLAND will fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island.  Legendary’s story honors the foundations of existing King Kong lore, but places it in an entirely new, distinct timeline.  Thomas Tull (Godzilla, The Dark Knight, Pacific Rim) and Jon Jashni (Godzilla, upcoming Warcraft) will produce and Alex Garcia (Godzilla) will executive produce.  The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures.

     

    About UNTITLED GREAT WALL PROJECT

    Directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), UNTITLED GREAT WALL PROJECT tells the story of an elite force making a last stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure.  The first English language production for Yimou is also set to be the largest film ever shot entirely in China.  Production is set to begin in Spring 2015.  UNTITLED GREAT WALL PROJECT will be released in the U.S. in 3D by Universal Pictures with the goal of being released in China in early December 2016.