Andy Serkis' 'The Jungle Book: Origins' New Release Date Pushed Back to 2017
Andy Serkis's version on the classic Rudyard Kipling fiction "The Jungle Book" got a new release date.
Warner Bros. has announced that "The Jungle Book: Origins" is now pushed back from its initial showing of October 21, 2016 to October 2017, The Hollywood Reporter said.
Along with the schedule change, Gerard Butler-led upcoming environmental thriller "Geostorm" will replace the The Jungle Book's initial opening date.
THR also explained that the original date was "more of a placeholder for the film," and that the new slot means that Serkis and his team have more than an ample amount of time to develop what is considered to be an "ambitious film."
"There is a growing trend in distribution circles of grabbing dates and using them as temporary berths for movies before these cinematic souffles are fully baked," the media outlet explained. "The new date also gives additional time for Serkis and co. to further work on the special effects-heavy project."
The publication also stated that for clarification, Serkis's "The Jungle Book" will be "in competition" with Disney's live-action take of the fiction which is currently produced with the direction of "Iron Man" helmer Jon Favreau. The latter is expected to hit the cinemas on Oct. 9, 2015.
"The Jungle Book: Origins" will feature the voices and facial capture work of Benedict Cumberbatch, Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Naomie Harris, Jack Reynor, Eddie Marsan, Peter Mullan and Tom Hollander.
