Sorry, Star Trek fans, the wait for the third installment in the Paramount Pictures sci-fi film franchise, Star Trek Beyond, has just gotten a little longer. The studio announced a new release date for the Justin-Lin directed flick: July 22. The film was previously set to hit theaters on July 8.
The studio didn’t specify why it has opted to keep fans waiting longer, but sources tell THR that it’s all in the name of getting Captain Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the gang on Imax. With Warner Bros.’ Tarzan opening on July 1, Star Trek Beyond would have been guaranteed to miss out on being shown in the special venues. Apparently, the two-week delay may change that.
The new date also brings new competition. Star Trek Beyond will now make its box office debut on the same day as Warner. Bros’ King Arthur and 20th Century Fox’s Ice Age: Collision Course. Interestingly, the competition seems stiffer than July 8’s openings: Universal Pictures’ The Secret Life of Pets and Fox’s Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. The decision shows that Paramount Pictures must feel confident in Star Trek Beyond (and why shouldn’t they?), as well as highlights the value of an Imax release.
Another Paramount Pictures franchise film did well in late July this year; Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation hit theaters on July 31. The Tom Cruise-starrer, which did hit Imax, has made over $189 at the domestic box office, according to Box Office Mojo. It makes sense to try the same formula.
Star Trek Beyond will bring back Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, and Zoe Saldana as Uhura, among others. New to the film is Lin, taking over for J.J. Abrams, who directed the movie’s two prequels: 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Star Trek: Into the Darkness. He’s bringing a different vibe, and we’ll have to wait to more weeks to see it.
Re-mark your calendar for Star Trek Beyond‘s theatrical release on July 22.
