Deadline is reporting that the release of the sequel to G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, has been pushed back to March 2013 in order to convert it into (sigh) 3D.
The sequel G.I. Joe: Retaliation was supposed to come out this summer on June 29th. But I’ve learned that Paramount is moving the movie nine months to March 29, 2013, to add 3D. “We’re going to do a conscientious 3D job because we’ve seen how it can better box office internationally,” one of the studio execs just told me. “Jim Cameron did all of Titanic‘s 3D in post – and look how well that movie turned out.”
Apparently, 3D is really big internationally and it looks like Paramount wants to wait to make sure they get the biggest bang for their buck. Of course, this could also have something to do with the another Hasbro property, Battleship, recently tanking at the box-office.
I suppose this is a pretty good move for Paramount, or at the very least a “neutral” move. I personally don’t know a lot of people clamoring to go see the G.I. Joe sequel, nor will that change just because it will be in 3D. I liked the first one well enough, it was a fun popcorn film, and frankly I’m sure I would have ended up seeing this one as well. However, it certainly wasn’t a film I was particularly anticipating. I don’t think anyone is going to be overly heart-broken about this push, and we all know those executives want to make sure this film makes money – and if that means pushing it back ten months to ensure that (at least over-seas), okay.
Releasing G.I. Joe: Retaliation next March will most likely ensure a better box-office in the US as well in that March isn’t usually a huge month for movies. Had the film stuck with its original release date of June 29, 2012, it would have been blown away the following week with the release of The Amazing Spider-Man.
Any of you readers out there particularly upset by this move? Were you looking forward to seeing the G.I. Joe sequel next month? Sound off in the comments below!