Universal Sets Release Dates

Universal Pictures has shaken up its 2010 release schedule with one major shift and two date announcements, reports Coming Soon.

According to Coming Soon: Universal figures "Little Fockers" is more Yuletide fare than summer sizzler. The studio will sit on the recently wrapped comedy sequel until December 22 and instead will release two previously unslotted films in swimsuit season.

They've also set two dates for previously unscheduled films. The Matt Damon-toplined thriller "The Adjustment Bureau" has been set for July 30, while Edgar Wright's adventure fantasy "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" will now bow on August 13.

The "Fockers" franchise kicked off on October 6, 2000 with "Meet the Parents," which ended up with $166 million domestically. The sequel "Meet the Fockers," released December 22, 2004, grossed $279 million. Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller are returning for the latest offering. "Little Fockers" is considered a working title.

Universal domestic distribution president Nikki Rocco said the studio is being "opportunistic" with its scheduling moves after noting the absence of a big comedy in the mix of 2010 holiday titles.

Said Rocco: "A year ago, the Christmas landscape wasn't as clear.”

Other wide openers set for the Wednesday before Christmas include Fox's Jack Black adventure picture "Gulliver's Travels" and Sony's comic-book actioner "The Green Hornet" starring Seth Rogen. Paramount's remake of "True Grit," starring Damon and Jeff Bridges, is scheduled to open December 25.

Rival pictures set to open opposite "Pilgrim" include Warner Bros.' 3D family-comedy sequel "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore," the CBS Films drama "Beastly" and Paramount laugher "Morning Glory."

Release date shuffling sometimes isn’t much of a big deal, but when dealing with such anticipated titles, it’s news. I think it’s a great idea to move “Fockers” considering the previous sequel, "Meet the Fockers", opened the same December weekend in 2004 and pulled in $279.3 million domestically. Also, I think moving “Pilgrim” will help its box-office considering the less-than stellar titles getting released that week.

Should be a very interesting year for Universal Pictures.