In an unexpected moved, Paramount has delayed one of their tent-pole summer 2012 releases, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, a full 9 months until 29 March 2013. The film was originally due out next month in the US, and early August in Australia.
“It is increasingly evident that 3D resonates with movie-goers globally and together with Paramount, we made the decision to bring fans an even more immersive entertainment experience,” Hasbro’s President and CEO Brian Goldner said via a statement.
According to Deadline, they’re “going to do a conscientious 3D job because we’ve seen how it can better box office internationally…Jim Cameron did all of Titanic‘s 3D in post — and look how well that movie turned out.” The source goes on to state that The Hunger Games was a large indicator that March is a viable blockbuster season.
While delaying G.I. Joe: Retaliation this summer seems like a reasonable enough move, with goliaths like Prometheus, Snow White & the Huntsman and more immediate to G.I. Joe: Retaliation, the release of The Amazing Spider-man would have been the following week. However, this leaves a gaping hole for Paramount internationally, with Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted and Paranormal Activity 4 the only contenders filling the void between now and the end of year holiday season.
As for the post-conversion delay, this seems like playing with fool’s gold to us.
