NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect changes made to THR's initial report.

More details have emerged concerning the decision to delay Tenet's release date. Christopher Nolan's upcoming tentpole has been at the center of many discussions during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. For the longest time, Tenet stayed put in its original July 17 date, poised to be the first major movie to welcome audiences back to theaters following the health crisis. But with coronavirus cases spiking in the United States, WB had no choice but to move it back. Initially, Tenet was delayed to July 31, and now it's scheduled to come out August 12.

Whereas other studios have delayed their blockbusters by several months (and in some cases, into 2021), WB seems set on having Tenet come out in theaters this summer. Whether or not it can remains to be seen, particularly since it's unknown if enough movie theaters will be up and running come August (including those in major markets). Time will tell what becomes of Tenet's newly planned release date, and now viewers learn more details about what happened behind-the-scenes,

Related: Everything We Know About Christopher Nolan's Tenet

Per THR, WB had a meeting with Nolan in June to talk about Tenet's premiere. The studio made a case that delaying it to August 7 would be a wise move, since the belief then was that would improve the film's chances of turning a profit at the box office (when, theoretically, the pandemic would be more under control). For Nolan, Tenet's release isn't just about its commercial viability; he has a "desire to be one of the first big studio films back in theaters" in an effort to "show faith in the form and solidarity with exhibitors" when theaters can reopen.

Tenet Release Date Only Pushed Two Weeks To Keep Christopher Nolan Happy

Tenet being one of the first movies out of the gate in a post-COVID world would likely boost the film's standing in the zeitgeist; audiences have been starved for new blockbusters since the shutdowns started in March, so there'd definitely be a demand for something like Tenet. While it's admirable box office isn't the only deciding factor here, it's certainly a pertinent one. Tenet's production budget is $200 million before marketing costs are factored in, meaning the studios needs it to have a very fruitful box office run in order to be a financial success. The symbolism of being one of the first big moves to come out after lockdown sounds nice on paper, but the entertainment industry is still a business. WB would rather not lose money on an expensive investment.

What makes it tricky to pinpoint an ideal window for Tenet is as theaters reopen, there will be restrictions in place to cap attendance, and studies have shown people will be leery of attending mass public gatherings (like movie screenings) in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. That combination means Tenet's projected box office right now is much lower than it might be under normal circumstances. Even with limited competition, there's no guarantee Tenet would make enough to turn a profit given the current circumstances. It's ultimately an unenviable position for WB to be in, and it'll be interesting to see how the situation develops as Tenet's new release date draws closer.

More: 2020s Movies Are Finally Bringing Back Smart Sci-Fi

Source: THR

Key Release Dates