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EXCLUSIVE: Paramount Pictures has stepped up to become the distributor of the Martin Scorsese-directed 3D film Hugo Cabret, with the studio locking a November 23 release date, the day before Thanksgiving. The adaptation of the Brian Selznick novel is produced and financed by GK Films and Graham King felt strongly that the five-day Thanksgiving holiday was the optimum time for the picture to open. Hugo Cabret was originally slated to be distributed by Sony Pictures, under GK Films’ output deal. Sony had the film originally scheduled for a December 9 release and when the studio couldn’t provide the requested Thanksgiving date, Sony Pictures agreed to let GK Films move the picture.
Paramount has an overall deal with Scorsese and chairman Brad Grey has a close relationship with the director and King. The studio, which didn’t have a big Thanksgiving release, jumped at the chance to be part of Scorsese’s first 3D film. The picture stars Asa Butterfield, Chloe Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law and Emily Mortimer.
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I assume both studios have seen the film, so if Sony thought there were ANY CHANCE IN HELL to make a profit on this film, they would have kept it. So one can probably safely assume that this will be some kind of bizarre Terr Gilliam-esque fantasy that will play to limited audiences in big cities, and have no awards potential.
If the film is that bad, why would anyone want to release it on Thanksgiving…Duh!
Sony also has the “girl with the dragon tattoo” remake due out in Decemeber, which is also likley to be an awards contender, that probably effected their decision making as they may want to focus more attention on one film. I doubt that this film will have some select limited audience.
I think any studio would be stupid to not pick up a Scorsese film. This movie sounds amazing, and I am sure it will appeal to a wide audience.
Scorsese has been turning out mid-level hits for some years now. His days of making tiny-grossing arthouse fare are over. I see no reason why this won’t be appealing to a wide audience.
This sets up Hugo, Arthur Christmas and Muppets all over Thanksgiving targeting younger audiences. Add in Happy Feet 2 the week before, and i is going to be quite the crowded weekend.
I say the Muppets lose.
So by that logic, Paramount is pleased to pick up a bizarre film that will play to limited audiences?
CommonCents you could not be more wrong. Early buzz on this flick is that it will march through Christmas and beyond as the family movie of the season. Think first Narnia and you’ve got Cabret.
big fan of the book, Martin seems like the perfect choice. it could have very broad appeal.
BUT Thanksgiving 2011 is the most overstuffed weekend in a long time. Muppets, Arthur Christmas, Hugo Cabaret, and Rise of the Apes. Me thinks Arthur and Hugo should leave Kermit alone.
They might get warts, but I doubt they’ll lose box office.
Thanksgiving seems like a positive move rather than a negative one…
Maybe Sony spent all their money on the social network.
Here is a strange notion, maybe Paramount saw something in the film, that Sony did not. There are many films that studio’s have passed on over the years that other studios picked up and made a ton of money. Martin Scorsese, I would assume makes it a little easier for a studio to take a risk.
This film went months over schedule and tens of millions over budget. Hoping Scorsese can finish the effects-heavy film in time..He usually takes a lot of time to cut a “normal” film without effects. Paramount is rolling the dice on this one.
Oh wow, Thanksgiving week will be crowded.
Aside from the indie films that will have a lot of Oscar buzz by then, there’s also the next Twilight film, Happy Feet 2, The Muppets, Project X, and Rise of the Apes.
Have doubts about Arthur Christmas.
Why? It’s a Christmas-themed movie scheduled on Thanksgiving. Plus, the Wallace and Gromit people are behind it, so there’s some assurance of quality.
I think the Muppets are gonna get squeezed out between Happy Feet, Arthur C and Hugo. I bet Disney’s sweating buckets right now.
you think? i guess we’ll have to wait for a trailer, but I think the Muppets is getting free hype just for the people involved and the approach (against Muppet Treasure Island and Muppets in Space). it also seems like the muppets are back to ‘being cool’ and the cast/director will draw the young adults and the kids are locked in. i could see it being a massive hit, if it’s good and has legs
Wait, Sony let Hugo go to Paramount so they could release it directly against their big Holiday tent pole Arthur Xmas. Anyone else see a problem here?
can someone just tell him to make the irishman already?? do what you do best marty.
Everyone thought it would be bad news for Paramountto move “Shutter Island” from October to February, and look how that turned out…….
That’s an entirely different matter. Paramount needs a big Thanksgiving release for 2011, but for “Shutter Island” they wanted its financial prospects to look better during the fiscal year (both theatrical and DVD revenue in the same year).
Paramount isn’t going to pull another “Shutter Island” by yanking the film off the calendar and scheduling it for early 2012. They need the money.
I LOVE YOU Marty..but ill be at The Muppets during Thanksgiving!!..