Sony has officially decided to push back the release of Bullet Train by three months. Plans for the upcoming action thriller film, based on the 2010 novel Maria Beetle (or Bullet Train as published in the U.S.) were first announced last lear. Directed by Deadpool 2's David Leitch, the movie will follow five assassins who find themselves onboard a Japanese bullet train, where they realize that their individual assignments are all interconnected. The highly anticipated film also features an ensemble cast that includes Brad Pitt, Joey King, Andrew Koji, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Zazie Beetz, Michael Shannon, Logan Lerman, and Sandra Bullock.
Production for Bullet Train began in October of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with filming having concluded in March of this year. For many, the draw of Leitch's previous films has been the action sequences and fight choreography, having directed features such as Atomic Blonde, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and John Wick (in an uncredited role), in addition to the Deadpool sequel. Fans have been eager for more news surrounding his upcoming project and to catch a glimpse of the action, especially since the director revealed more about its cast, in particular Brad Pitt, who performed the majority of his own stunts.
According to Deadline, Sony has now announced that it has decided to move the release of Bullet Train by three months, putting it in theaters by July 15, 2022 instead of its initial April 8 premiere date. The film now avoids an opening weekend competitor in Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog 2, expected to attract a large audience turnout of its own. Bullet Train will be moved to a weekend where there are no other major studio films scheduled to be released, and booked on premium large format screens.
While the news of Bullet Train's new release date might disappoint some, it could prove to be a smart decision on Sony's part to avoid competition, given the box office performances this year has displayed. Bullet Train cast members such as Joey King have taken to social media to reveal set photos, generating some additional early excitement for fans awaiting an eventual trailer release. The premiere date is not the first change the film had to make though, as Bullock's casting came following the departure of Lady Gaga, who had to drop out of her role due to scheduling conflicts.
Leitch's history as a stunt double in Hollywood, as well as his understanding of the action film industry, are evident in his work. Given that, it's no wonder his latest project has been met with such anticipation from both fans of his filmography and the action genre in general. A film and cast of this caliber will be expected to bring in audiences, and Sony's plan to include IMAX in its distribution makes that clear. Fans can enjoy future teasers, like the recent CinemaCon footage of Bullet Train and a potential trailer, as the film nears closer to its new July 15 release date.
Source: Deadline